Disorder - Legg-Calve-Perthes disease

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative Names
Legg-Perthes
Calve-Perthes
Coxa plana
Malum deformans juvenilis coxae
Osteochondritis coxa juvenilis
Aseptic femoral head necrosis
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head

Brief Description

An insufficient blood supply to the head of the femur (top of the thigh bone) causes this section of bone to die and disintegrate. This results in the deterioration of muscles associated with the area, and reduces the mobility of the hip joint.

Presenting Signs

The main clinical sign in Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCP) is severe lameness in one or both hindlegs due to pain within the hip joint. This can sometimes be caused by injury to the area, however, in LCP this pain and lameness is not associated with an injury and is due to this inherited disorder. Lameness in an affected dog will usually become evident at four to ten months of age. An early sign may be irritability when picked up or groomed over the hindquarters. The dog may favour the affected leg, and sometimes refuse to bear weight on it. Generally, within two months of initially favouring the leg, the dog will not support itself at all with the limb. Other signs include moderate to severe pain on passive movement of the joint - especially when the leg is pulled away from the body - and, when the legs are extended, the affected limb may appear shorter. X-rays of the limb will reveal an irregular bone density, and a flattening of the head of the femur, indicating the disintegration of bone.

Dogs at Risk

Young dogs

Groups Affected
Non Sporting
Terrier
Toy
Utility


Breeds Affected
Australian silky terrier
Australian terrier
Fox terrier (Smooth)
Fox terrier (Wire)
Griffon Bruxellois
Manchester terrier
Miniature pinscher
Pug
Schipperke
Schnauzer (miniature)
West Highland white terrier
Yorkshire terrier


Treatment

Surgical/Medical

PubMed References
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
586


Contributor
Alan Marcus