Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head) in Dogs
- Occurrence: rarer
- Location of illness: Legs
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease, also known as avascular necrosis of the femoral head, is an orthopedic condition in dogs caused by an insufficient blood supply to the femoral head, leading to the breakdown of bone tissue and eventually deformation of the femoral head.
The most important facts at a glance
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease in dogs is a condition in which the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, leading to avascular necrosis. This disease occurs mainly in young dogs between 4 and 12 months and especially in small breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers and Miniature Poodles. The exact cause is unclear, but genetic factors appear to play a role. Trauma or mechanical stress can also trigger the disease by impairing the blood supply to the hip. Symptoms include Lameness, Pain when moving, Reluctance to move, and muscle wasting. Diagnosis is made by clinical examination and X-rays, which show changes in the femoral head. Early diagnosis is crucial to slow the progression of the disease and improve treatment success. Treatment varies depending on the severity and can range from conservative therapy with pain relievers and physiotherapy to surgical interventions. A common surgery is femoral head ostectomy, in which the damaged femoral head is removed. After the operation, careful follow-up care is important to support recovery. The prognosis is usually good with timely treatment, and many dogs can live a normal life. Prevention is difficult, but maintaining a healthy weight and choosing healthy parent animals can help reduce the risk.
Causes
The scientific basis of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease involves the disruption of the blood supply to the femoral head, which leads to aseptic necrosis. This condition occurs most often in young dogs aged 4 to 12 months, especially in small breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, and Miniature Poodles. The reduction in blood supply causes the bone tissue in the femoral head to die, leading to weakening and gradual deformation of the bone.
The exact causes of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease are not fully understood, but genetic factors are believed to play a role. Studies have shown that the disease is more common in some dog breeds, suggesting a hereditary component. In addition, trauma or mechanical stress on the hip could also contribute to the development of the disease by further impairing blood supply.
Another possible factor is the development and growth of the bone. Since this disease often occurs in rapidly growing dogs, an imbalance in bone growth and blood supply during the development phase could play a role. Environmental factors and nutrition could also influence the occurrence and course of the disease.
Symptoms
- Lameness
- Hip Joint Pain
- Reluctance to Move
- Difficulty Lying down and Rising
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head)
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head)
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head)
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head)
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head)
The symptoms of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease are often subtle and develop insidiously. One of the first signs is a slight Lameness of the affected leg, which initially occurs only occasionally but becomes more frequent over time. This can be caused by Pain resulting from the necrosis of the femoral head and the subsequent inflammation.
Affected dogs may also show reduced activity and be less willing to walk or jump. In advanced stages of the disease, the Lameness can become more pronounced, and the dog may have difficulty putting weight on the affected leg. Atrophy of the thigh muscles may also be noted during the examination, as the dog spares the affected leg.
In addition, limited mobility of the hip joint may be noticed, and the dog may show Pain when the joint is moved. In some cases, a cracking or clicking sound may also be heard when the hip joint is moved. These symptoms are often an indication that the femoral head is already significantly damaged.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease is usually made through a combination of clinical examination and imaging procedures. The veterinarian begins with a thorough physical examination, assessing the dog’s gait, hip mobility, and any Pain responses.
X-rays are the most important diagnostic tool for confirming the disease. They typically show changes in the femoral head, such as bone loss, deformities, and, in advanced cases, complete collapse of the femoral head. In some cases, additional imaging procedures such as MRI may be required to assess the extent of the damage more accurately.
Early diagnosis is crucial for the success of the treatment, as the disease is progressive and the damage to the femoral head increases over time. An accurate diagnosis allows the veterinarian to develop the appropriate treatment strategy and determine the best time for a possible surgical intervention.
Therapy
The treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease depends on the severity of the condition and the age of the affected dog. In mild cases, conservative treatment with pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physiotherapy can be attempted to alleviate the symptoms and improve hip mobility.
However, in many cases, surgery is required to relieve the Pain and improve the function of the hip joint. The most common surgery is femoral head ostectomy, in which the affected femoral head is removed. This prevents the damaged bone surfaces from rubbing against each other and causing Pain. After the operation, a fibrous pseudo-joint forms, which allows the hip to move.
Post-operative care is crucial for the success of the treatment. It usually includes physiotherapy and controlled exercise to strengthen the muscles and promote joint mobility. The dog may need to be kept on a leash for a few weeks to avoid excessive stress on the hip.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for dogs with Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease varies depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment performed. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, especially with surgical intervention, the prognosis is generally good. Many dogs can live a Pain-free life after surgery and resume their normal activity.
In cases where the condition is not treated in time or surgery is not performed, permanent impairment of mobility and chronic Pain may occur. The dog’s quality of life can be significantly affected, and there is a risk of secondary osteoarthritis developing in the affected joint.
Long-term follow-up care and regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor the progress of recovery and to detect possible complications early. Even after successful treatment, dog owners should ensure that their animal maintains a healthy weight and that excessive stress on the hip is avoided.
Prevention
Since the exact causes of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease are not fully known and genetic factors play a role, preventing this disease is a challenge. One of the best preventive measures is to pay attention to the health of the parent animals when selecting a puppy and to choose breeders who test for genetic diseases.
It is important for dogs, especially those of breeds that are susceptible to the disease, to maintain a healthy weight in order to minimize the stress on the hip joints. A balanced diet and regular, but not excessive, exercise can help maintain joint health.
Although there are no specific measures to completely prevent the disease, early preventive examinations by the veterinarian can help to recognize the first signs of the disease and to counteract them early. An attentive approach to the dog’s musculoskeletal system, combined with good veterinary care, can reduce the risk of complications and the progression of the disease.