Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD)
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Our guide has been authored by qualified veterinarians, but should not be taken as substitute for medical advice or professional veterinary consultation. If your pet displays any unusual symptoms, we strongly advise seeking guidance from a veterinarian
Understanding Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD) in dogs
Legg-Calve-Perthes is a condition affecting the blood supply to the head of the femur, the upper part of the hip joint that’s shaped like a ball and supposed to fit into the hip socket. This injury hampers the proper development of the joint, leading to pain, inflammation, and loss of function.
Bear's story
Bear's owner noticed that the little terrier was increasingly reluctant to put weight on his right hind leg. One day, he woke up after an evening of playing in the dog park and simply limped. It was evident that Bear was trying to avoid using the same leg. Upon examination at the vet clinic, he recoiled in pain as the vet manipulated his leg and even attempted to bite. Dr. Ron gave him a mild sedative to allow for a thorough examination and the necessary X-rays while he laid on his back. The diagnosis was clear from the X-rays - Bear was suffering from advanced Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. Dr. Shirley, the orthopedic surgeon, was called in and successfully performed surgery to remove the femoral head. Dr. Jack, the physical therapist, devised a rehabilitation plan, and three weeks later, Bear was back at the dog park.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD)'s Causes: Uncovering Triggers
The exact cause of the disease in dogs is still unclear, but there seem to be several possible factors:
- Repetitive trauma to the joint – during a developmental stage that affects blood supply and triggers disease development.
- Genetic component – the disease is more common in certain breeds.
- Hormonal and metabolic issues – which may lead to disease development or exacerbate the injury.
Recognizing Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD): Signs and Symptoms
- Limping: it can appear suddenly or gradually. The dog may show stiffness or difficulty in walking, sometimes after prolonged rest or increased activity.
- Pain and discomfort: in the affected hip joint - including reluctance to move the leg or pain when attempting to move it.
- Muscle atrophy: may develop over time due to decreased use and mobility of the leg.
- Decreased range of motion: in the hip joint - difficulty extending or flexing the leg fully.
- Bunny-hopping gait: as a compensatory mechanism, some dogs may develop a hopping gait, when they use both hind legs simultaneously to propel themselves forward instead of using one leg at a time.
- Swelling in the hip joint: in some cases, swelling or inflammation around the hip joint may be noticeable.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD) Diagnosis: How it's Identified
The veterinarian will start with a comprehensive physical examination, focusing on gait, posture, pain response, and the dog’s range of motion. If a doctor suspects the presence of the disease, X-rays of the hips will typically be taken, often requiring sedation. These X-rays are crucial for diagnosing the disease as they help assess the condition of the hip joint and femoral head and may reveal changes in the affected area like flattening or proliferation of the femoral head, typical of the disease. Additional imaging scans like CT or MRI may be performed, although they’re usually unnecessary for diagnosing this condition.
Treating Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD): Options and Approaches
Treatment options for the disease may vary depending on the severity of the condition:
- Conservative treatment in mild cases – includes rest, maintaining proper weight, limiting physical activity to allow the affected joint to heal, and physical therapy exercises. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs are given as needed for inflammation and pain.
- Surgical intervention – in most cases, surgery will be required. The most common procedure is called Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO). The surgery aims to remove the damaged femoral head and neck and allow the body to form a “false joint,” which serves as an excellent substitute for young small dogs. Total hip replacement (THR) may be recommended in rare cases involving large-breed dogs.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD): Surprising Facts
The disease was first identified in humans and was named after the three researchers who identified it in children in 1910 - Arthur Legg in the USA, Jacques Calve in France, and Georg Perthes in Germany.
The course of the disease is very similar in children and dogs, with most cases in dogs occurring in puppies under one year old.
Just like in children, male dogs are more prone to developing the disease than females.
Vet's Tip: Dealing with Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD)
Whether the veterinarian decides to recommend surgery or not, it’s good to know that physical therapy exercises or rehabilitation can help strengthen the muscles around the hip joint and improve the overall mobility of the dog. The rehabilitation process usually begins under the guidance of veterinarians or certified physical therapists for animals, and in many cases, exercises can be continued at home independently.
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Latest in Research and Treatments
As mentioned, the causes of the disease are still unknown, but many researchers suspect a genetic background. Dr. Rory Todhunter, an orthopedic surgeon and professor of surgery at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York is exploring mutations in the canine genome that may be involved in the development of the disease. This work may one day lead to the development of a genetic test that will prevent dogs from being born with this disease in the future, as well as early identification of those prone to the disease in humans.
dogs breeds Prone to Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD)
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