This orthopaedic disorder is known by many names:

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, Legg-Perthes disease, Perthes disease, coxa plana, aseptic or avascular necrosis of the femoral head. All of these names still amount to - a deterioration of the head of the femur (thighbone) due to insufficient blood supply. As a result of the insufficient blood supply the head of the femur begins to die and disintegrate. The disintegration can be seen, through x-rays as a flattening of the femoral tip. Some family bloodlines tend to have extremely high incidence of this condition, while other bloodlines appear to be less susceptible.

Symptoms of this condition will vary according to the severity of the degeneration.

Physical indications of this condition may include: knee pain (may be the only initial indication), thigh pain, muscular atrophy in the upper thigh, restricted movement in the hip, limping, difficulty walking, and asymmetry (unequal length) of legs.

Positive diagnosis can usually be achieved through x-rays of the hip and/or pelvis. There is rarely any arthritic changes in the Acetabelum because the onset of this disease is sudden and degeneration/disintegration can be severe in as little as three weeks.

The long-term prognosis of this condition is dependent upon the extent of the damage.

It is critical that the dog is treated by a veterinarian, as early as possible in the progress of this disorder.

In more advanced cases surgery may be needed, the Femoral head is then surgically removed and the surrounding muscle tissue usually supports the leg and allows good mobility and function.

Dogs that have had Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (regardless of the degree of severity) should never be used for breeding.

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