Advise on Legg-Perthes Disease

[Cherie6446]

Zoey is 1 year 8 mos and today was dx'ed with this. Any advise on surgery results and recovery times?

[Mom to Hot Rod]

I just asked my vet about this the other day and she said that if Hot Rod's surgeon even suspected it, he would have addressed that over his lp issues. Hot Rod had lp surgery 2 1/2 years ago.

Sorry that your baby is going thru this.

I hope someone will be able to give you some information. Maybe you should start a thread in the Sick and Injured Forum. You would get more people with experience on this.

Please let us know how she does.

[BanditSocks2]

Did they say what grade it was? Nala has grade I and if it stays grade I won't have to have surgery. Grade II can only require medicine but if it rapidly progresses to II it could indicate that surgery will be necessary, III (depending on the age) usually needs surgery and IV almost always needs surgery.

That's my limited knowledge about it.

We have Nala on fish oil, and treats with Glucosomine and Chondrotine (NO idea how to spell those ). They are Zuke's Hip Action treats and she LOVES them. They'd be helpful for joint pain and arthritis.

[ladyjane]

The surgery is very successful in small dogs. The recovery time is not awful as there really is nothing much they can undo such as when implants are used. I have had a few pups with this surgery and the last one was done in April. He was running outside in just a few days and has not stopped! He did carry his leg for a while, but gradually started using it more and more. Now, he rarely carries it.

Leggs Perthes is an extremely painful condition and if a surgeon has recommended surgery then it must be done! I would strongly suggest a board certified surgeon! Good luck.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by BanditSocks2

Did they say what grade it was? Nala has grade I and if it stays grade I won't have to have surgery. Grade II can only require medicine but if it rapidly progresses to II it could indicate that surgery will be necessary, III (depending on the age) usually needs surgery and IV almost always needs surgery.

That's my limited knowledge about it.

We have Nala on fish oil, and treats with Glucosomine and Chondrotine (NO idea how to spell those ). They are Zuke's Hip Action treats and she LOVES them. They'd be helpful for joint pain and arthritis.

Are you talking about LP? Leggs Perthes is not graded. Just don't want the OP to be confused.

[Cherie6446]

Thanks for all the info. I am wondering about the "grading" thing though. I'll ask the dr about that. Glad to hear your little one was up and running so soon.
Thanks,
Cherie

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Cherie6446

Thanks for all the info. I am wondering about the "grading" thing though. I'll ask the dr about that. Glad to hear your little one was up and running so soon.
Thanks,
Cherie

There is no grading with Legg Perthes!

[BanditSocks2]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

There is no grading with Legg Perthes!

Whoops!!! Thanks for clearing that up!!!! Sorry for the confusion!!

[107barney]

Originally Posted by Cherie6446

Zoey is 1 year 8 mos and today was dx'ed with this. Any advise on surgery results and recovery times?

My Teddy was just incidentally diagnosed with Leggs-Calves-Perthes disease as well. However, he is has no clinical signs or symptoms, and therefore surgery is not currently recommended for him (both by his two general vets and a board certified ACVS surgeon).

As LadyJane already suggested, my understanding is that the FHO surgery is well-tolerated by small dogs and has a good success rate. The surgeon explained to me that there is a short period of rest after surgery, and then the dog is encouraged to be up and around, exercising in order for the dog to form a false joint properly.

I wish you and Zoey the best.

[ladyjane]

Here is a link about FHO surgery. On that page there is also a link to information about Legg Perthes disease:


Femoral head and neck excision

[Cherie6446]

LadyJane - excellent article on the surgery. I think I will ask the dr if she thinks I need to do this surgery now since Zoey isn't showing a lot of signs that it hurts to walk. She did mention that she has an 11 year old Jack Russell with this and she did not have the surgery - I'm going to ask her why. Since this is not a life or death issue I will take my time and research as much as possible.
Thank you all for the input.
Cherie

[PiePiper]

Piper was diagnosed with Legg Perthes Disease when she was 8 months old. She had the FHO surgery and was 100% within 3 months. Piper is now 3 years old and loves to take her daily 3 mile walk and she never limps or carry her leg. If you look in my album you'll see pictures of her right after her surgery.

[Cherie6446]

PiePiper - I did look at the album and the incision was neat and clean. Piper is just darling. Glad she came though the surgery and is doing well.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Cherie6446

LadyJane - excellent article on the surgery. I think I will ask the dr if she thinks I need to do this surgery now since Zoey isn't showing a lot of signs that it hurts to walk. She did mention that she has an 11 year old Jack Russell with this and she did not have the surgery - I'm going to ask her why. Since this is not a life or death issue I will take my time and research as much as possible.
Thank you all for the input.
Cherie

If she is showing any signs of pain, it more than likely is going to require surgery. How was this discovered? No, it is not life or death, but it is an extremely painful condition!

[ladyjane]

Did you also read this?

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease