About this blog
Hello and thanks for checking out my story. My dog, Howie, who is now 3 years old, was diagnosed with Legg-Calves-Perthes disease at 9 months old. He needed major surgery to remove the “ball” part of the hip joint on his right side, as it had died from lack of blood flow and not grown in fully. I was shocked, angry, and sad when I found out. I hope this blog can bring awareness to research and treatment methods for the disease as well as help other dog owners who are affected by it. It is thought to be a hereditary disease and breeders need to start taking responsibility for it.
I have chronicled Howie as he went through the process from diagnosis on to surgery and then recovery. I hope that this will help worried dog owners and give hope for the future for your little pup. Please comment if you have questions!
Hayley
Our cockapoo Jackson was diagnosed with this condition at 6 months of age….he had a femoral head resection at 12 months of age and after 3 months was fully healed and running like the wind…he turned 3 this month and he is happy, very mobile and pain free… it actually is an amazing surgery..
Thanks for an update. I am so nervous going through this process but I am glad to hear that it was a success for you! Makes me feel a lot better!
This is wonderful to hear because my Zoey is getting ready to have this same surgery. She is 7 months old. Thank you!!
I was wondering what the first month like. My poor girl is depressed and just seems down. I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to put a small weight on her leg in order for her to drop it down on a more permanent basis. I’m just worried about her.
It took a full 3 months for him to recover. One month post op was very hard. Hang in there.
Hi! Thanks for the informative site. My 8 month old yorkie was diagnosed last week and he had his surgery within a week. What was so crazy about this disease is that he went from limping to no use of his leg at all within 1 week. The wasting also seemed to happen very, very fast. We quickly got him the diagnosis and the surgery. So far he is doing much better. After day 3 post-surgery he is alert and already starting use his leg. I am limiting his movement until my next appt on this friday. I am curious about thoughts on swimming as rehab. I plan for the walking and physical therapy, but I wanted to explore some swimming as well. Any thoughts? Best to all, Tim
My Rosie has swim therapy – was the best for her. Wasn’t cheap, but feel it was worth every penny in the end.
It’s an amazing operation! My border terrier had the head of her femur removed about 6 months ago and I didn’t really believe that the muscle would build up again (it was almost completely wasted) or that a false joint would be formed. Now you wouldn’t know she’d had a problem – she races everywhere, plays madly and is completely back to normal!!
I am so glad that I found this blog. I really appreciate that someone wants to share their experience and knowledge about the Legg-Calves-Perthes Disease. 10 days ago my 1year3months old yorkie had the surgery on his right back leg. I felt exactly the same. I was so upset, angry and I was told that this is a hereditary disease. My yorkie is doing well after the surgery. We are doing with him lots of physiotherapy and exercises to build up the muscle again. Hope he will recover completely soon.Good luck to everybody who has the same problem.
My 11-month old male yorkie had surgery on both legs for legg perthes 4 days ago. He was able to walk the day after surgery and is walking and moving better every day (he was able to walk before the surgery). I was wondering what I can expect in the weeks to come. How much walking is too much? What about down and up commands to exercise the muscles? The vet recommend that I limit his walking to the house.
Hi Sandi,
I would say take it easy and see what he does. Let him take the lead on his recovery, but don’t baby him too much. Howie is now at 4 months in recovery and is using him leg to run often! His little trot has come back! He still lifts it up once in a while and I can tell when he puts weight on it the bone doesn’t always get support. I tried the exercises with Howie for moving his back leg in circles but he just snapped at me. We talk him on walks 3x a day and dog park once a week with an occasional swim which I think helps. I would say keep the walking to a minimum for 2-3 weeks but check with the vet.
Hang in there!
Hi all. My 9 month old Border Terrier is going for xrays tomorrow as our vet suspects he has LCP Disease. Very pleased to have come across this blog and read about other peoples experiences as they all seem to have happy endings.
Best wishes to all.
Thanks for reading the blog everyone. I am so glad it is helping others as I had so many questions going through the process as well.
Hi, my 9.5 month old chihuahua has been diagnosed w/ legg-perthes disease, I’ve had two opinions done and both vets say to do the surgery to removed the femoral head/neck. I am so upset over my dog having to go thru this pain I have just been crying but now that I’ve found this blog I feel so much better knowing that they do bounce back quickly (I hope). Mine only weighs 4 lbs and is so tiny. She’s already had two cherry eye repairs and a umbilical hernia repair. ugh. Thanks so much for your blog. my email is no34evr@comcast.net if anyone wants to chat. We haven’t set a surgery date as yet but it will be within the next two weeks, by the end of June 2011. thanks again, Cathy
The sooner the better for the surgery … At 4lbs she will be fine ,
Hello, I am from Edinburgh, Scotland and my gorgeous little 8month olf Yorkie Lilly is having her operation for legg-perthes disease tomorrow morning. Needless to say i am more than a little anxious. It wasn’t supposed to be until thursday, but she was in such a state last night i had i moved forward.
What im really terrified about is her recovery. Im worried that ill either do to much with her and hurt it or too little and she wont recover correctly. Does anyone have any good rehab tips.methods. As soon as her stiches come out im taking her swimming in our lake, but till then what can i do
What will she be like when i pick her up? will she be dazed, lively or confused. Will she be in pain? Im very concerened that i am gonig to be away from the 27th July, so im a month i am away on business for a month and she is being left with my friends mum, who has alot of experience with dogs. Is that a bad idea? how much mobility will she have 4 weeks after the op Im sorry for the influx of questions, im just really worried about tomorrow and think i might be freaking out slightly.
I look forward to hearing any suggestions.
Thanks
Hi Gemma-Rose
Stephen here from British Columbia…our dog Jackson (cockapoo) had this surgery 2 years ago this month. He was in a lot of pain as your little one seems to be prior to the surgery. We were also quite concerned about rehab but we were told to allow the ‘natural’ healing process to take place and not expect full recovery for at least 3 months..
Obviously when they return home from the surgery they are uncomfortable but this subsides over time and within a week we were up and about. Walking normally on the limb will take time though so do not push it. After a few weeks, swimming is a very good activity, but it will take the time it takes.(up to 3 months) until they are fully mobile without pain.
After 3 months, Jackson could walk and run on the limb without pain. Even now though he will sometimes hop to avoid putting weight on the limb. He has no pain though, but I’m sure the artificial joint that the tissue forms around the leg feels different to him than his other leg.
Hope this helps…
Stephen
Hi I’m, Carol from Melbourne Australia and I my little Spoodle, Cassie, is 11 months old. At 8 weeks I laughed and said she didn’t have her ‘4 wheel driving’ going. Then at 12 weeks the vet suggested she might have slipping patela. At 5 months I asked them to check her knee whilst under anaesthetic. Again possible knee problem but nothing at that stage. Now at 11 months she is facing the surgical removal of the head andneck of the femor. leggCalvesPerthes disease. I am of course very scared and worried. We must wait 8 weeks as I will be away. Thank you for all your information. I feel less stressed about her recovery now.
Hi Its Carol & Cassie again, We went to have a consult with a lecturer/specialist orothopeadic surgeon at Melbourne University yesterday. In spite of 4 trips to my local vet with xrays they have MISDIAGNOSED Cassie. She does not have LCP disease. She has been born with a dislocated hip, and a poorly formed socket. The body has formed a false joint around the bone. The operation would be the same as LCP, but since Cassie is not in pain, only occassional discomfort I am going to leave it alone. It seems wrong to cut off the top of the bone and ask the body to reform a false joint. This wonderful vet also picked a problem with her lower spine which my vet had missed on the same xray. So for now: new vet and give Cassie the time-test and see how she goes.
Hi Carolan, how is little Cassie doing? Can you please describe to me the symptoms Cassie showed when diagnosed with LCP? My 7 month Maltese x Shih-Tzu (Ruby) has been diagnosed with what the vet thinks is LCP as she has a loose hip, the femur is not locked into the hip socket like her other hip is. Ruby has been holding her leg off the ground for 7 weeks now and not using it. She still runs around like normal and seems happy and in no pain. I have been reading up so much online and I am really worried that I will put her through unnecessary surgery. Thanks in advance, Carol.
does anyone know of any large dogs with legg perthes. my 8 month old weimaraner was just diagnosed and we are putting off surgery until her pain or lameness demands surgery.
Hi Hayley,
I am so happy I found your blog. My Maltese terrier named Bailey goes in for surgery on Tuesday. We rescuesed him two months ago and is 10 months old. He was diagnosed w LP a week ago. I am extremely nervous about the surgery and recovery. It’s great to see how wonderful Howie is doing!!!
Thanks,
Megan
Hi, Hayley ~ My 5 month old bichipoovanese, Mia, was just diagnosed with Legg-Perthes disease in her right hip. My vet wants to give her another couple of months to grow before doing the surgery. I have asked the breeder to pay for half of the surgery…have any of you had any luck with that happening??? I am so happy to have found your blog since this condition was new to me and after reading everyone’s comments I know that Mia will not have to be lame all of her life with this FHO surgery…she definitely likes to have her puppy fun!! 🙂
Why are expecting the breeder to pay half of the surgery she prob didn’t know it was in her line, there are no tests for condition and did you not insure you dog anyway, if you didn’t then it’s down to you.
Hi We have a little westie who was diagnosed with this hip problem november 20111 when she was only 10 months old……. on December 9th she had a full hip replacement…we opted for that rather than the joint to be removed and wait for muscle to grow luckily we had a good insurance cover for her as it was the most expensive way…… she was walking within a few days although was not allowed to climb steps and walk only short distances….. we had to walk her only on a short lead for 6 weeks but she was eager to run …. has never showed limping since and here we are in may 2012 and you would never know there had been anything wrong with her
OFA specifically states that they dont know what causes this in dogs or humans yet. There is no predictability. Parents will test unaffected but may have a pup that is affected.. There is no reason behind this condition. There are many studies being done by Cornell and many people have donated large sums of money to research. Right now breeders are being asked to submit DNA and a pedigree to the study. So If you have a pedigree with your dog please contact your breed club and submit your sample.
Hello, Everyone ~ My 7 month old bichipoovanese, Mia, had her FHO surgery on Friday, June 29th. She was sleepy and laid around most of the 1st evening. Yesterday, she began hobbling around more, eating more, & started wagging her tail again. I am surprised and pleased at how quickly she wants to get back to her normal routine. She had gotten used to picking up her right hind leg so she is still doing that…I plan to try swimming with her after her incision heals. I took away her steps to my bed & the couch for now and will do my best to keep her from doing her little puppy blitzes for a while…she runs like crazy, jumps over things, runs under things like there is nothing wrong with her…she has fun & they are a blast to watch but probably not helpful while she is trying to heal! I have high hopes that she will start using this leg and will not be lame all of her life!! I do hope they find out why these little dogs get this…she is a hybrid so I cannot help there! Will update with how she continues to recover!! 🙂 ~ Sharon, Mia’s Mama!
I have a 9 months old shippo has been diagnosed w/ legg-perthes disease. You are saying that a full hip replacement rather than the joint removal will be a better option ? I was not given that option also an specialist orothopeadic surgeon will be better than a veterinarian for this operation?
My bichipoovanese, Mia, had the surgery done at 7 1/2 months old….just the ball joint removal….and has done extremely well with her recovery…running, jumping, and blitzing everywhere now at 11 months old!! I was very pleased with the surgeon my vet brought in to do the surgery! …and Mia has no pain at all now!! 🙂 ~ Sharon Ferguson
Hello I am from Central Victoria Australia and my 11 month old beautiful black Italian Greyhound bitch Gabby had surgery one week ago to remove the femoral head of her right leg. I have to keep her confined for 6 weeks of cage rest with 4 to 5 five minute toilet breaks a day. She is sleeping a lot and seems to be happy doing that. Sutures come out in 5 days time. She hasn’t put any weight on the leg yet but the surgeon said the first week or so will be hard for her. I am determined to get her back to her crazy little self. It is so sad that she has to go through all this at such a fun part of her life. I had hoped to eventually breed from her but will be responsible enough not to carry on this disease. So she will be speyed . Bummer!!!. Will let everyone know how we go over our recuperation. Thanks for this site.
Hi Anne
I am confuse you are saying that you have to keep her confined for 6 weeks of cage rest with 4 to 5 five minute toilet breaks a day. Them I read that said that dogs should walk as much as possible right after the operation. Please can you explain
Thanks
my instructions from the surgeon on dischage were that Gabby requires strict cage rest for the next six weeks. Gentle lead walking for toilet purposes (5 min 4-5 times a day is permissable. Running, jumping, climbing stairs, playing are all strictly prohibited. After suture removal the amount of lead walking can be gradually and incrementally increased.
Then I see a note saying after 2weeks she should be encouraged to use the operated limb as much as possible. The following strategies may be considered. Walking slowly, walking in tight figure of eight circles, walking up hills, walking up and down stairs (slowly in controlled fashion on a lead), holding up the opposite leg, attaching wrist bands with lead weights (these can be obtained from sports stores). Alla bit confusing I know so I am waiting till my appointment in 4 days for suture removal and I will discuss the next phase of rehabilitation with the surgeon. Seeing surgeons superior which is great as he may have some new ideas. At the moment she is resting well, sleeping very well and now has become a very picky eater. Will keep you informed.
My six month old Chiweenie had surgery about a month ago to remove the tip of the hip bone. She still isn’t walking on it. I have asked my vet if there are any exercises i can do with her and he said no. Now I read that physical therapy after surgery is important. Can anyone tell me about the exercises we need to be doing for her.
hey Nancy, my vet was unhelpful too, and as i couldn’t afford dog physio i asked around a few vets in my family (unfortunately none of them in close proximity) and they told me this. Swimming or a deep bath, stretching the leg by slowly pulling it backwards and the good leg too as then the dog has to balance on the newly operated leg. Lots of slow walks, if she is refusing to put her leg down just stop ask her to sit and keep this going until she is using it. Our yorkie, lilly is 3 this year and had the op at 6months old. You would never know that she had legg-perthes now. Occasionally she will pick it up but that’s more out of habit than pain.
When she got her stitches out i took her straight into the river to swim every day only for 10 mins or so, that really helped.I did this for the first 3 months. Its gentle on them and they have to use the leg. She hated the water at first, but i went in with her and walked backwards in front of her encouraging her all the time, and ready to grab her if needed. If you don’t have the option of a river, the sea, as with such little dogs you would only need to go in yourself to your knees, or a bath is equally as good. Lilly has no problem with me touching her when she is eating and as that was a time when she was standing still anyway and occupied with delicious food, that’s when i would stretch her leg back. Gently run your hand down her leg with the other hand gently but firmly placed on her body to give her reassurance and slowly lift and pull the leg backwards, repeat with the good leg, and complete as many times as she will let you. She may resist a little at first, more because if she hasn’t used if properly it will be stiff, but it shouldn’t be painful to her.
Persevere, Lilly only really started using her leg fully a few months ago. You want her to get strong again, but she needs to use it as much as possible. Its so tempting to just pick these little dogs up, but she needs to be walking about everywhere.
Its such a heartbreaking disease as you feel helpless, but believe me she will get better. Do a little reading on dog physio, you will have better luck if you seek info outwith legg-perthes specific research. Any kind of usage it good. lots of massage and rubbing when shes cuddling into you too, she needs to be comfortable with you touching that leg of hers.
I am sorry if i have rambled, i know how i felt when lilly first came home from the op, i was terrified, but i just wanted to get as much detail down here as possible. Please email me gemmarose89@hotmail.co.uk
if you want to chat or any more info.
Good luck and stay strong.x
Great advice from Gemma….best of luck with your little one, Nancy!! My Mia is doing fantastic….will still pick up her leg out of habit I think because when she has her blitzes she can run and jump like an agility dog!! So pleased with her recovery…she is 15 months now and pain free!! ~ Sharon
Hi how was ur westie after the opp and what after care did you have to do my 10 month old westie have the opp done on Thursday and am so scared x
Hi reporting back from my last blog of October 31 2012 re my Italian Greyhound Gabby. Had to return to the surgeon just prior to Christmas as Gabby wasn’t able to put weight on the affected limb and they showed me an X-ray taken whilst she was still under anaesthetic and intimated that they may have not removed enough of the ball joint and left a little knobby piece there which was causing aggravation and discomfort to her. I took her to a physio and for hydro therapy but the vet was still saying the offending piece of bone should be removed. We went on a long planned holiday for a month and Gabby was boarded with our other dog and amazingly when we collected her she trotted out on her beautiful four legs. I think the total rest at the kennels was good for her.We will continue to review her but honestly I could not put her through all that again as we finally have her confidence and she is jumping in and out of the back of the car and up on the couch and even chasing rabbits in the paddocks. Her thigh muscle was very emaciated but that is slowly building up again. We have our cheeky vibrant little Gabby back on 4 legs 99% of the time.
Hi, my 5 month bichon is due to have x-rays to confirm legg-perthes disease next week. She is displaying no sign of pain, symptoms being ‘loose’ hips when walking (giving a bit of a sexy wiggle!), bunny hopping when running and swinging her back legs to the side when sprinting. I was told that strict bed rest alone might solve it but can find no testimonials. For financial reasons any surgery will need to be done in the next 10 months so there’s limited time to ‘wait and see’.
My ShiPoo was diagnosed with legg-calves-disease at 9 months my vet wanted to operate as soon as possible she had the same symtoms no pain and bunny hopping when running and swinging her back legs to the side when sprinting. Since she had no pain I decided to wait and a few months later I went for a second opinion and took another Xray I was advice that no operation was needed at this time I have to check with the specialist once a year. Now she is 14 months and runs much better she looks normal.
My chorkie Diva is 11 months and was diagnosed a month ago. She started hopping off her leg at 7months on and off but only when she runs fast and she’s still the same. She bares weight on that leg when shes walking at a normal or slow pace. She’s never in pain so I don’t know if its worth her having the surgery or not. She’s got so much energy and I don’t want her to be kept in doors this summer as we hardly get good weather in the UK anyway. Any advice or info on non surgical treatments? What about joint supplements?
Mi shiPoo had the same symptoms my vet want to operate right away. I went for a second opinion and I was told that if there is no pain I should not operate I should wait. Then I also went to an orthopaedic surgeon for small dogs and she also say no operation if there is no pain. I was very lucky to wait now she is ok sometimes she bunny hopping but the problem seems to be her knee nothing important. All the best
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Dogs don’t show pain as humans. My puppy y thought was not in pain and the vet said severe pain. So I am going with surgery.
My Yorkie, Katie born 4/12/11 was dx with legg perthes in 2/12, ended up having surgery to have the hip joint ball removed on 3/01/12. She seems to be doing well but has not seen the vet that dx her and did her surgery due to the fact we moved out of state in 9/12. I am looking for info on long term prognoses as she still limps when walking, runs some of the time holding that leg up. She does run sometimes at a very fast and does not hold it up. It seems to be easily hurt as she yeps.
She does not yep when I rub her hip, bath her or anything like that…just occasionally with an unusual movement, an akward move, unspected pressure pressure on that hip.
Hi Sheila, by my reckoning it is only two and a half months since Katie’s surgery. Don’t try to rush things as she really should still be doing gentle exercise. I am sure by another four weeks or so you will be pleased by how she is progressing. Don’t forget she went through major surgery and has to be given time to heal.
My Dixie a Biewer Yorkie, will have FHO surgery next Wednesday. I am very anxious about the whole process for her. I am told they will keep her over night to be able to check the incision in the morning. Although no one is at the clinic all night. I would rather bring her home when the clinic closes then leave her there for the night. Has anyone else brought their dog home the same day? I would rather be able to monitor her discomfort then think of her being in pain all night.
Hi Kelly sorry I didn’t see your message or I would have shared my experience sooner. I brought my westie home after she had the op last Friday and the night wasn’t too bad, she slept for most of it. Make sure you get good pain management, I had oral morphine on top tramadol and the morphine was a must. Good luck and if I can help by sharing experience please leave me a comment and I will respond.
Hi my Westie Skye had the op last Friday, Skye is 2 and a half so bit older than the norm. We have always walked miles every week and we think she built a high tolerance to the pain, but last week her hip just went, I had no choice but to go with the surgery, she was lame. I’m now on day 4 post op and I can honestly concur with all the comments on this site, the emotions, the uncertainty of everything its so hard. there is so much conflicting information its difficult to know what is right or wrong, but one tip I picked up here is pain management is critical, I went back on day 1 and got oral morphine for Skye and it definitely helped her through the first couple of days. My vet advised to lead walk her immediately which I have done and already Skye is trying to weight bear on her bad leg, she’s amazing, they are all amazing in the way they cope with this terrible condition. I am determined to do everything I can to get her fit, she is my walking pal and i’m hating it not being able to walk together. this site has been inspiring with so many positive stories, thank you all. One blog I read and I totally agree with is breeders have to take responsibility – I emailed the breeders I got Skye from and guess what they say they have never heard of this condition – appalling…! If I can help anyone with sharing experience please leave a comment and I will reply.
.
Hi there,
My 7 month old Pug has just been diagnosed with this condition as well. To say I was upset was an understatement. My poor little boy is in a lot of pain but has been coping very well and my vet told me he has one of the highest pain thresholds she had ever seen as they only picked up on it during a routine castration for his un-descended testicle.
They found it difficult to stretch his legs out and decided to take an impromptu xray and the damage to his femoral head was so severe they have not sen anything like it in such a young dog.
Needless to say I am going to put him through the two operations and hopefully if the consultant thinks it is feasible to perform the two hips in one go it would be a relief to get it all over with in one go.
I was really worried but reading this blog has put my mind at some ease as the success stories have really cheered me up.
I am waiting for a consultants appointment and fingers toes and everything crossed my little shnuffly Pug will be just fine and mended.
My 8 month old Yorkie “Poppy” has Legg Pathes Disease in her left hip and she is going for her op tomorrow. When I found out she had this I just burst into tears and thought “why her”, I hate to see my little baby in so much pain, but I know this op is the right thing for her. Can anyone please give me a rough idea what to expect after the op, and how long before she’s her happy bouncy self again?
Thanks in advance
Laura
Hi Laura, I know how upset you feel as I felt the same when my little Italian Greyhound Gabby was diagnosed. She was operated on last Sept/October and now it is the first week in July and she is as fine and dandy as she ever was. Very very very occasionally she will take a few steps on three legs but honestly it just takes time and rest and TLC. Gabby was very difficult to give pain killers and anti inflammatories to (and I can pill anything as I am an ex Vet Nurse) and lost a lot of confidence in herself for while but is back to her cheeky self. All I am saying is the recovery will take time and patience but she will get there. keep in touch through this page as we would all love to hear how Poppy is getting on. Xx x x x x x x x
Hi Anne, thank you for you encouraging words. Poppy came home today and is very groggy and quiet as I thought she might be. I am so happy that the operation was a success, and now, as you said time and patience is the key! I have read lots, and lots, of encouraging posts and I am sure Poppy will be “nearly” as good as new. I will give weekly updates on her progress. xx
Hi, Laura ~ Just want to encourage you to be patient with Poppy…but I think you will be amazed at how quickly she will recover. I know that I was!! My Mia had her surgery over a year ago and I really believe that if I were a better trainer that she could be an agility champ!! She still has the habit of picking the affected leg up when she changes tempo in her stride but 95% of the time she uses all 4 legs normally….and best of all no pain anymore!! I am so glad I spent the $$ to help her be her best!! Love her soo much!! ~ Sharon ** new pics of her & her little friend, Missy, on facebook!! 🙂
My dog Rosie, was diagnosed with Legge Calve Perthes disease when she was just 8 months old.
After repeated trips to the vet, trying to persuade him that it was NOT just a sprain ( you don’t waste to skin and bone from a sprain) we got the diagnoses.
She had her surgery over a year ago and is doing well. However, she is currently favouring her hip, and is not as adept at jumping up onto the couch. I worry that it is bilateral (as they told me is a high possibility).
Other than that, she recovered well from her surgery, had rehab and flies around like there was never anything wrong – she does the occasional “hop” on 3 legs, but I think in her case, old habits die hard. Love her to bits!
Hi, all,
My little Yorkie Rubi, literally, just got diagnosed. I am a physical therapist for humans that works with orthopedic surgeons, so when the symptoms started the vet was kind of shocked I was prepared to hear the problem.
She is to have surgery next Thursday. They had to put her to sleep today to do the confirming x-ray. it is shocking that the hip is malformed and partially subluxed. Even the acetabulum looks like there is no cartilage at all.
Except for walking with a limp over the past week and a half and the last few days not jumping up as much on the couch she is having no signs of pain. If she were human she would be asking for morphine, based on the x-ray.
I am glad to read most people having great results. I love Rubi as if she were my child.
Hi, my 7 months old puppy was just diagnosed. I am pleased to read about the good outcomes. I was debating hip replacement but recovery time for a 7 months old seems more brutal. This helped.
Hi Jennifer Smith, we are all here with one thing in mind and that is our dogs welfare and comfort and I for one found this blog page a great help nearly a year ago when I was confronted with the dilemma of a lame pup of 11 months of age. It is such a shame when a pup should be experiencing all the fun of learning new things that this insidious disease should raise its ugly head with some breeds and mixed breeds as well. Please keep in touch through this page as we can spur you on with our tales of recovery along the way. I for one am so grateful that we went through with a femoral head removal with our Italian Greyhound pup Gabby and she is still going from strength to strength. we love her to bits. We have since had her speyed as it may be hereditary even though the breeder expressed her ‘surprise’. Keep in touch.
My chihuahua Rosie was diagoned with LCP (after bisiting several vets, all of whom continued to tell me it was a “sprain”).
It wasn’t until I sat in front of a vet and BEGGED them to look further, surely her hind end which was wasting away to nothing was indicative or more than just a sprain.
Finally, we had an x-ray of her hip done and she was sent immediately for surgery the very next day.
She did well, had 8 weeks of rehavilitation in an underwater treadmill, on an exercise ball and some walking exercies and she’s almost as good as new!!!!
She does limp occasionally, and when playing will pull up that one leg, but we are told that “old habits die hard” and she will likely do that for the rest of her life.
We do have her on a supplement to keep arthritis at bay, and it’s good for her bones as well.
She’s my little “heartbeat at my feet” and I will do whatever it takes to ensure she is happy and healthy.
We do still have to watch her other leg as we were told that it is generally bilateral. Fingers crossed it never happens, but now I know not to accept a diagnoses that I KNOW is not right.
Hi all, been a long time since I checked in. Poppy had her op nearly 2 months ago now and she is doing okay. She still lifts her leg whilst running, and doesn’t really like her leg being touched but apart from that I’m quite happy with how she’s coming along. One question.. Should she be on cod liver oil supplements for her joints?? I’m not too sure whether she should be on them or not.
Laura
Glad to hear Poppy is recovering nicely.
I put my girl on Sasha’s Blend. I put it into her food in the evening.
It’s got all sorts of goodies in it for arthritis, joints, etc.
Here’s the link: http://www.sashasblend.com/
Beware of a dog breeder in North Carolina, North Wilkesboro. Their names are Sheila Hart and Shelby Hart, telephone number 336-670-9048, 336-452-8935, and Sheila Hart’s email address is she0875@yahoo.com. Shelby Hart is her mother, located at Harts lane in North Wilkesboro NC 28659. Their breeder’s number is CKC #361499.
I bought a girl (teacup) that was nothing more than a sickly little dog (precious as ever), but she has so many hereditary and congenital abnormalities (from bad breeding practices). The dogs are too old, they are sickly too.
My girl has:
-Open fontanel (a cranial defect where the skull has not closed in utero leaving the brain unprotected);
-Cataract in both eyes (very rare said the vet during the exam);
-Hernia (torn stomach muscle – common but requiring surgery);
-Intestinal parasites (which I treated the puppy for);
-No vaccinations (which I had done);
Sheila is on Facebook. Sheila and Shelby hart are shady con artist, selling their problems to unsuspecting pet lovers.
DON’T BUY FROM THEM!! BE WARE!! THEY SELL YORKIES, MIXED BREED DOGS AND GOD ONLY KNOWS!!
**Beware of any breeder who doesn’t provide:
Proper vaccination and deworming documentation;
Spend time with the dog (waiting for it to have a bowel movement -checking for parasites);
Request a vet exam of the dog you are considering (this is extremely important and should be offered by the breeder);
Get vaccination records of your pet and pedigree registration (don’t go cheat/you’ll spend it in the end if you do);
**Be cautious, don’t just go with the first thing. Shop around. You get what you pay for and you will pay in the end, if you don’t do you research.
I though my biggest fear was having a dog shipped to me. Only get a dog during business hours, when you can verify the vaccinations, the pedigree, and take the dog in for an exam.
I just found out my 5 year old mini chihuahua Rocky has legg-perthes disease. The vet said it is advanced. We took him to the vet originally two days ago because we thought he had a sprained knee. When he continued to be in pain even with medication we took him back this morning and had x-rays. We haven’t even picked him up from the vet yet. He wants to discuss option with us. Up until a few days ago he was jumping off the couch chasing the cats. The vet said he must have a high tolerance for pain because his hips are very bad. He thinks we may be able to ease his pain through medication for now but will have to have surgery at some point.
It is is legg perthes go for surgery as soon as possible. It disease crumbles the dogs joints like biscuits and advances very rapidly. Our yorkie is 3 now and 2.5 years on from her surgery and you would never know. She bounds everywhere. This disease can only be stopped with surgery. I waited 2 weeks from lilly’s xrays till her surgery and within that time the crumbling on her joint had spread another 1cm and so more of the bone had to be removed.
My mini poodle had the surgery 5 1/2 years ago. Is starting to have problems with the hip. He is 6 1/2….is this usual?
I have a nine month old mini dachshund that was diagnosed yesterday. they estimated the cost of the surgery to be about 2100 dollars!
I have no idea where I’m going to get this money from. we just purchased a truck last week and then we get this bombshell dropped on us. my poor little biscuit just runs around holding his back leg up. I’m hoping to have the money saved up in about six months. does anyone know of any other options than surgery? Or if there may be a lower price? I’m also curious as to how he’ll be with me waiting six months, hopefully he won’t get worse. any help, suggestions, comments are greatly appreciated.
I would go for a second opinion. I would not operate if he or she is not on pain. Reason a lot of times they miss diagnose .
I would say the sooner you do the surgery the better. I believe it only gets worse as time progresses.
Do you have a credit card you could use? Would the vet clinic permit you to make monthly payments?
I took my little girl to a teaching university – original quote for her was $5,000. Total surgery – all in, was $2,100.00.
I would do it again in a heartbeat! She got great care there.
Good luck!
Wanted to add that my Rosie’s hind end (hips) wasted to almost bone because vet after vet said she just sprained her leg. I knew differently and finally BEGGED a vet to do an x-ray. Immediate diagnosis was Legge Calve Perthes. She had surgery 2 days later.
Sweet wee girl never complained but I could tell she was in alot of discomfort.
Katie, if you can, get your little dachsi done as soon as possible. Like anonymous said above, it causes the bone to be brittle, it almost takes on a moth eaten look. It’s not good, and it’s painful.
Keep us posted.
Definitely needs to be done sooner rather than later and like someone else said the teaching hospital’s are great. I would talk about signing up a contract with them to pay off the costs. No harm in asking. Also if you can get an X-ray whilst still under anaesthesia of preop and post op it will help your physio to assist with recovery. Postoperative hydrotherapy is wonderful just after suture removal of course.
We just rescued a 3 year old mini poodle 3 days ago who had the operation in December. They say he went through the physical therapy as needed and was declared “perfect”. As we are into day 3 of this cutie, there are some concerns. He does not climb stairs. He does not jump, unless it is to jump down from something (obviously favoring the front limbs). I am having to carry the poor pooch to get into the car or up and down stairs. My heart goes out to him, but I am just not sure if he is just not fully recovered or fearful or what. I know his lcpd limb is a little shorter than the other, as they had to remove the dead bone, but does that limit the legs from these kind of movements? Any advice would be appreciated.
Please give this cutie time. Maybe he hasn’t come across stairs before in his life and that fear may be aside from the Legge Calves Perthes issue. It is about building his little body muscles around the affected limb to be strong plus his little mind to cope with the trauma he has gone through. I sometimes think that people think this radical surgery is an overnight fix. Please give it time. My 2 year old Italian Greyhound Gabby used to love jumping in the car for trips prior to her surgery (at 11 months)) but now fears the car and we have to play all sorts of games to get her in it and most of the time she wins and stays home with a bone. Mind you she is the fastest thing on four legs now hunting rabbits and splashing around in her clam shell pool during the warmer months and she now has a 5 month old Standard Poodle brother. to challenge her. And she wins. Think of yourself anthropamorphically (is there such a word?) in this little body and you would still have your fears and weaknesses. Please Cathy just give it time. This is a wonderful forum and you will have heaps of support from friends who have been there as loving owners and we care about each and everyone of us and our babies who have gone through and going through this. Our best wishes to you. You didn’t tell us his name.
Thanks for the support! His name is Edsel. 🙂 Looking over the past vet records, there were physical therapy activities I am hoping he will let me try on him.
My boy jz got diagnose..but vet do not recommend surgery now..can i jz check can i still bring him for long walks? Or preferably short walk? I am not sure whether it will make matter worse..
I just found out my 9 month old yorkie needs to get the same surgery. About how much does the surgery cost? I’m so scared for her and just want her to not be in pain anymore. Ive stared a http://www.gofundme.com/8mw9f4 and shared with family and friends. I’m a 22 year old student barley making it with student loans this is one of the worst things that could happen.
Hi, I’m so glad I found this page. My doggie had the surgery 4 years ago and has been fine ever since. Slight limp from time to time but no pain. However, yesterday, after his annual jab (which seemed to cause more pain than usual), he started yelping whenever we touch his hip (just like before the surgery). I’m very worried – could someone advise if this disease is recurring??
Hi everyone. I have a 15 month old Westie who we bought from someone who was “going to breed from her, but she doesn’t have the right temperament”. We thought that there was something dodgy going on but decided that we needed to bring this little girl home with us anyway. Noticed her limping and took hr to the vet, where they xrayed and found that the femoral head had almost completely disintegrated. They operated on her straight away and she came home that night. She has been okay since then in terms of activity, runs around like a crazy little thing but always on 3 legs. There was a fair bit of wasting to the leg muscle before the operation, and she has been carrying it for some time, and when we took her back to the vet tonight (4 weeks post-op) they’ve put her back onto anti-inflammatories and pain killers and recommended that we do some physio with her every day. I could fill up the spa bath and try an get her to swim but she hates baths and it would mean drying her off completely every day afterwards. However if that would be the best thing then maybe we should do it. I like the idea of an ankle weight but not sure how to do it!
Hi all,Our Jack Russell Terrier Murphy started to limp badly and hold his leg up and was reluctant to play when he was 7 months old (Oct 2013) he also used to show his teeth at us when we picked him up which was totally out of character for him as he is the most lovely natured dog you could meet! We took him to the vets and they said he had probably pulled a muscle and gave us painkillers,after a few more weeks and another dose of painkillers there was no improvement so an x-ray was suggested,this confirmed legg perthes disease,the femur bone had disintegrated badly and his leg muscle had wasted because he had been putting minimal pressure on it (god knows how much pain the poor little fellow had been in) He was booked in for surgery two weeks later (late Nov 2013),when we collected him in the evening after his surgery my wife burst into tears as soon as she saw him due to the horrible looking wound on his leg and despite the strong painkillers we had to nurse him through the first 3 nights taking turns to stay up with him as he was crying and wimpering most of the time. He hated having the “lampshade” on and when he did go outside to do his business it had to be on a lead. Anyway to cut a long story short! The recuperation has been long and hard and at times we thought his leg muscle was never going to return or that he would ever use his leg properly again,but with plenty of patience,simple physio exercises the vet will show you,lots of work on stairs and long walks (once the vet gives you the ok) you will eventually notice the difference. Don’t let any of the early part of this tale worry you because a few weeks after the procedure he was happy and pain free again,and eventually trusted us to pick him up again without showing his teeth(it must have been hurting him that much previously when we picked him up) As I write this in June 2014 he is again the happiest dog in the world,playing and running about everywhere and his muscle tone is nearly back as is his shaven hair! Yes he does still limp occasionally and hold his leg up,but we are guessing that is probably an old habit from when he had the pain or just the feel of the false joint. I have read other people’s stories,some say there dog is back to normal after a couple of months,just thought I would share our experience so that those of you whose dog is taking a little longer to recover don’t get disheartened! (By the way for those asking,I think in total the vet’s bill came to £700-800 all in including aftercare and was covered by our pet insurance less an excess)
So good to hear your story as our pup had this surgery 10 days ago and it’s been awful. I stayed with him for first 3 days and nights as he was whimpering despite tramadol and metacam. He still cries when he moves certain ways and not using his leg yet. It’s such a worry. Sox is the nicest natured pup you could ever meet and it’s heartbreaking to see him in pain.
Forgot to leave my name- Jill
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Omg…my 5 pound yorkie has this disease. Just found out about it….I am trying to keep a positive attitude. But financially I am not in a good place. But coco is worth it.Hope Howie is doing good
I have heard this surgery is very costly we are on a limited budget. We will not be able to visit with the vet doing the surgery for another two weeks. Can someone fill me in on how much this procedure cost?
thanks so much
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My Puggle was diagnosed with Perthes when he was just a puppy and had the surgery to correct it. He is now 6 years old and has been doing well, until recently. The past few days he has started to limp and is now holding his leg up and refusing to walk on it at all. My husband starting doing some of the stretches that he did with our dog when he was undergoing physical therapy after the surgery. These stretches did not seem to help and were very painful for our dog. Has anyone else experienced this sort of regression? If so, what have you done to help your dog? I know that if it does not get better within the next few days, we will definitely be taking a trip to see our vet.
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My morkie Tiffany was recently diagnosed with legg calve Perthes disease. She needs surgery to correct this condition. Trying to get the funds together or have her insurance policy pay upfront for it. In the meantime I am so sad for her and angry about the whole situation. I’m worried about her future and pray that all goes well with the surgery and her general well being. I’m so glad I found this blog. Please keep us updated.
Just a quick update on our dog Murphy, I last posted in June he had surgery last November,it has been a long time coming but he was finally “signed off” by the vet a few weeks ago,although he has been in no pain since surgery the vet wasn’t happy with the muscle tone in his leg and she advised a course of hydrotherapy (12 sessions) which involved him walking on a treadmill with his legs underwater twice a week,I was very sceptical about it but after the course had finished the vet checked movement in his leg and measured the diameter of it compared to before sessions and the leg was the same as his good one! The hydrotherapy wasn’t cheap at £35 a session but it has finally got him back fully to where he should be and the insurance company have agreed to cover the cost of it as part of his recuperation. Yes he still holds his leg up occasionally but this has got to be a force of habit from when he was in pain before the operation as he is definitely in no discomfort now. Good luck to you all and don’t get disheartened if your dog doesn’t seem to recover as fast as other dogs or fast as you would expect,it has taken us the best part of 12 months to get him right!
Hi, my jackawawa, Winnie, had LCP, we didn’t have insurance and it cost us £1500.00 and that included hydrotheopy, which we go twice a week, I can not stress enough that hydrotherapy is the key to a successful recovery, Winnie is a normal little dog now, she was 6 months old when we found out she had LCP, she is now 10 months and she is making up for lost time, Winnie now goes once a week, to hydrotherapy, it’s a long process, but the results are amazing. Good luck and a speedy recovery to all. Xxx
Great news and good luck. I agree that hydrotherapy has really been a big help for my Yorkie. He is becoming a really strong swimmer and he has amazing control when he lifts his leg. This was an issue that has now gone away. 1 year post surgery. He is at 200%. Good luck all!
My lacylu was diagnosed with this at 12 mths Old, It gradually came about ,then when it had gotten to noticeable, I thought she just had strain her leg ,but when I took her to my family vet ,that is when she was diagnosed and it was so hard for me to believe this,now she is 19 mths 9ld and it has progress ,now she has to have the FHO surgery to remove her femoral head and neck and reattach the femor back with the muscles. ..so she can live the rest of her life pain free. ….I’m so scared for her. …her surgery will be on 3/18/16,I’m so stressed. ..will everyone please pray for us. …
Got a huge question. We are very worried. I went through this with my baby last summer. He had the pricey major surgery. A year later, now, he is limping and hopping on the same leg we had the surgery on. It seems as the nightmare may be repeating, can it or is this normal? And our breeder didn’t and won’t take responsibility for this either.
7 yrs post op he still hops on his corrected leg. Not in pain. Just habit. It’s normal.
My dog was diagnosed with Legg-Calves. Upon 2nd opinion and months of exercise and injections we found it was actually a luxating patella. She had surgery to correct her knee and is fully recovered. I would recommend a visit to your vet to check it out. Hope its just a habit he has formed like suggested above.
Our Jack Russell had his operation 2 1/2 years ago and he still limps and lifts his leg up occasionally on the treated leg,he has been checked out by the vet and all is good,so we think it must be a force of habit from when he was in pain pre op.
Hi all…My Javanese, Sara is going for her operation next Wednesday. OFA now believes that this is a hereditary/genetic disease with recessive genes coming from both mother and father. Mendelian Disorder. My question is, should I puppy cut her down in advance of the operation? she was a show dog so has a long coat.
Hi, this is very informative. I adopted a rescue 4-5year old bichon mix. HE was a puppy mill stud for his entire life until July. He has been diagnosed with LCP and is scheduled for surgery tomorrow with a general veterinarian. I am very nervous that the surgery could set his EMOTIONAL PROGRESS in a tailspin. ALso, was thinking of waiting until March, 2017 when winter is nearly over. I want the best for thid little guy who has only had a small dose of freedom.
I just found out my Morkie puppy of 10 months has LCP. I’m angry and sad too. I travel for work and want to be around for his surgery and recovery so I was wondering if I wait two weeks to schedule the surgery is there any repercussion in waiting. I feel like ever since I got the diagnosis, which was Friday that his hind leg seems more lame and he is not the same spunky puppy. It could just be me being over dramatic but wanted to see if anyone else has waited. I was given NuJointDS not by the vet but from the breeder. Has anyone else used this product? HELP I feel for my little Whiskey boy.
Hi Gina – the sooner the better for surgery. My Rosie went too long – went to several different Vets trying to get a diagnosis – told she was just “lame”, pulled a tendon, when in fact it was LCP. Her hind end wasted to almost skin and bone. And it’s very uncomfortable for them from what I’m told. Rosie had hers done almost immediately after the diagnosis. She runs now, still holds up her one leg but I’m told that’s normal. Good luck.
Glad to hear your Rosie is doing well. I don’t want Whiskey’s leg to get to that point of skin and bones how long did you go back and forth with vets to get the correct diagnosis?
Hi Gina. 3 different vets.
Hey Gina ! My little lacy Lou was diagnosed with LCP also and she was young pup when I know is the Linus and her leg I have was thinking she may just pulled a muscle and went to the doctor the vet told me that she had hip dysplasia or and she was only like seven or eight months old and I was like what no way she’ll have hip dysplasia in and so I took her to another Vet and that’s when they explained to me that it’s a hereditary disease and what she had LCP so and I asked him how long will it be for she would need surgery and he told me within three months and within that three months of being 18 months old her leg was slowly crack in it was slowly breaking one round jump off the couch she would’ve broken into so the sooner the better that you had the surgery but make sure you have an orthopedic surgeon that knows about this condition and my little lacy Lou only weighs like less than 7 pounds which was a good thing now she is almost 3 and she’s doing very well she has a little lamp that’s because the one leg is shorter now but she’s doing good she’s no more in pain we don’t have to deal with that no more I’m glad it’s over with good light with you and your for a baby everything will be fine just got to getting through the after the postop at the surgery and when she do that just keep it massage like say and slowly getting back into it if you like to know anything else or have anymore questions just let me know..and Lacey is a miniature Schnauzer…it is a hereditary disease the tree is either found in the mother or the father are both….
Hello Patrica, Glad that your Lacy Lou is doing great. I have called the vet and now I’m just waiting to hear when the Ortho Surgeon has an opening. I’m getting Whiskey in as soon as possible. It gives me hope that most of the stories I’ve read on this blog have all had great outcomes. Thanks for your response 🙂
I’m sorry for the weird wording in my last reply ..I was voice texting ! Whiskey will do just fine … lacylu has a limp now but she is no longer in pain … prayers for a speedy recovery ..God bless you both ….
Whiskey had his surgery today. Wow what a large incision. Everything was a success. He is home resting now. The surgeon was very well good and said that in 10 days he can regain normal activity. 30 days 30% 60 days 60% and in 90% full use. I would love to hear what everyone else experience was with this. Whiskey has his moments of being feisty and is wagging his tail and standing. I just don’t know if it’s the meds 🙂 Also anyone has any tips while he is recovering. One of the earlier post talked about putting down carpet runners if you have slippery flooring. It was a great idea. Thanks again everyone. Looking forward to a speedy recovery.
My Silky Terrier has legg calve-perthes disease. He had surg just before Christmas. He has good days and bad days with his leg (back right) what sort of physio should I be doing with him……thanks
Leeanne
Hi Leeanne,Our Jack Russell really struggled after surgery he was reluctant to use the leg that has been operated on so he wasn’t building the muscle back up,the vet suggested a course of hydrotherapy that they did at our local surgery,we were sceptical at first but it worked wonders and the muscle tone soon improved and before long he started using his leg again and it was back to the same size as his other back leg. Good Luck
I am so glad to found this place, there is very limited information about LCP disease, especially the care after surgery. My 9 months old Yorkies have diagnosed LCP for her both hind leg, I am very anxious of her tomolo surgery, however it is glad to get many positive result from you all.
Hello Vivian, I know I was glad to find this blog too. Whiskey (morkie) had his surgery in Aug 2017 and he was 9 months old too. He is no longer in pain and has gain back his muscle. He does still lift it from time to time but he jumps and plays and you wouldn’t know 7 months ago he had the surgery! Good luck to you and your puppy.
Hi Gina,
We will be seeing our girl few hour later, we hope her recovery process is not complicated. In past few months, what kind of physio therapy for your boy? Our vet ask us only to let her run freely 2 weeks after surgery, but in this 2 weeks, we do not hv to stop her walking, let her be, just try to limit for longer walk.
How is your puppy doing? My Vet said the same thing. Recovery is just walking on it. Mine was same day walk to bathroom and eating area. I looked up other options like acupuncture, hydrotherapy and PT/massages but everyone I called didn’t recommend it since he was so young in age that he would would heal without it.
Hi Gina,
It 4 day after the surgery, she is doing extremely well. Like your pup, she access to our kitchen, play with our other dog as soon as she reached home. Today she walk with 4 leg for few minutes and start to run too, but i have to stop her as our vet want us to limit her walk for 2 weeks until the stitches is remove. She cant wait to run and chase the bird.
Great new! Cheers to a speedy recovery!
At the present time research is being carried out to find a DNA marker for Legge Calve Perthes Disease. Unfortunately at the moment there is no DNA test; if there was good breeders would test for it in those dogs identified as at risk.
Dog genetics is a complex area and whilst breeders must be responsible the only thing that they can do at the moment is ensure that any dog diagnosed with LCP is not used for breeding purposes.
Hello- I have a surgical consultation tomorrow for my 9 month old Westie – recently diagnosed with LCPD. I wanted to ask about the surgery that is offered. Is that “FHO” that most folks are referring to when they talk about surgery?
Lori sorry for the delay response yes FHO surgery is what my Morkie had. Hope all went well with your Westie.
Hi my little shihpoo was diagnosed at age of 10 months weird thing is I was in hospital with exact same thing when little girl for nearly 3 year I needed hip replacement which was done 4 year ago now so I was heartbroken when vet told me my wee poppy had it same side also back right her operation is 6th May I’m so worried as I don’t want her to be bothered couple year down line I told vet would rather she took leg off if poppy would suffer in the future any advise on how ure baby has done after surgery would be appreciated Mrs Patton
Hi, you will be amazed of the recovery process from the small breed dog. My yorkies diagnosed FHO at month 7, both leg need to remove the hip ‘ball’, i was very sad, we did the 1st surgery with one leg, she came back home in next day and the surgery didnt bother her much, she run and play with my big dog, I have to stop her and a week later her stiches open up a bit bcos i let her walk too much, so you can imagine how active she was. Before i manage to book the hydro therapy, she already can run with 4 legs, a month later we send her back for follow up, our vet say she do not need another surgery despite the xray shown her another leg is in bad shape too, but if there is no limping, we will just let it be. So, please stay positive, dog are much more stronger than what we expect.
Hi thank you so much for you’re reply my girl has he mother my Shitzu and her big sister my yorkie my daughter takes the mother dog up a lot to stay with her as my wee poppy just wants to constantly want run jump play she handles it very well only now and again she has little cry as I’ve went through this same disease was so shocked when my vet told me what it was even she was suprised lol again thank you Gill
My Morkie has the FHO surgery on June 2017 and has had great results. I wouldn’t wait. Outside of pain the leg will get atrophy and will be difficult to regain back if you wait to long. I didn’t do any Hyrothearpy just short walks to begin with and soon you will see them putting more weight on the foot. Good Luck!
Thank you everyone for ure comments on my wee poppy her surgery will go ahead in May
Please keep us posted!
Hi Gillian…My Sara had LCP Disease inherited from her parents. She had an FHO and has made a great recovery. the trick is to do water therapy with your wee one. I was in the pool or the lake with Sara every day for 30-40 minutes.
thank you for ure kind reply dout be water recovery as she doesn’t like the beach or even bath much so maybe fill bath tub see if any good Gill
My sincere advise find a second opinion if possible from an small dogs orthopaedic surgeon.
Can I ask why ask for second option I have her xrays and her hip is bad
Around 6.5 years ago my vet advised that my shih-poo required the operation as soon as possible as the X-ray show very bad hip and that he also said was urgent as she was in pain. I decided to get a second opinion and after a very thorough check-up, this second vet advised the operation was not necessary at the time but to doble check with an orthopaedic surgeon and I did( she agree with the second veterinarian) . I take my shih-poo to the specialist every 12-18 months and as of her last appointment, she still does not require the operation.
My Yorkie just had surgery 2 days ago for Legg-calve-perthes. I need advice on post surgery care please!! We are in Tunisia, so get care is not as good as in Europe and US unfortunately. The surgery went well but now his legg is bandaged and tight up to his hip. Wondering if that is right🤔 How will she learn to move her leg again if it’s tight up like that. Any advice for how your dog was treated and if the wound was covered, let tight up or anything like that, would be greatly appreciate it.
Thank you
Hello Tineke, my Morkie had his surgey in 2017 and yes he had a bandage up to his hip this was just for a day. The Dr. removed the bandages and in my situation they wanted him to walk immediately after. (Just around the house and outside to do his potty breaks) Since it was his right back leg he continued to limp they carry their weight on their front legs so this was not hard for him to walk. He didn’t put any pressure on it for a while but eventually as each day progressed he would walk more on it. It’s tough to watch but he you Tineke will snap back. Good Luck!
Hi Gina… My Havanese puppy expressed LCPD at 9 months of age. She was the number 5 Havanese in Canada at the time. I was devastated. She had her operation at 1 Year, after I was able to register her LCPD results publicly. Please register your dog’s results online so that other potential owners can follow the pedigree that produced your dog.
Buyhavanese.com tracks Havanese with Genetic diseases. Find a site that will track the pedigrees of Yorkies that express diseases and send them your dog’s pedigree.
My 9 month old puppy has Legg calve perthes disease as well. He is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday. Thank you for sharing your story.