Legg Calf Perthes correction surgery?

Question

My little pug is 17lbs and 7 months old. we were told by 2 different vets that me may have Legg Calf Perthes which is when the head of the femur dies. the vet said that eventually he may have to have surgery to correct it. first we need to get x-rays and then surgery. has anyone ever had to go through this? how much did it cost?

Answer 1

Sorry to hear about this, but there is heaps of information about it online.  Just be thankful you don't have a child with it, as I do - its a lot worse to deal with and harder to recover from in a child!

All the best

Answer 2

wow never heard of it in animals.  It's going to be an expensive surgery. Think of it as two total hip replacements for your dog... it's gonna be very expensive.  If you're willing to pay for it great, but be forewarned.  This is also a congenital defect... so i know it's not something you're thinking about first in your mind, but i would contact the breeder and see if they will refund you the money of your puppy to put for vet bills.

Answer 3

This is generally seen in the smaller breed dogs and is hereditary and if this was a purebred purchased from a breeder, they failed to test.

Generally this pertains to the top of the femur where the ball is not normally shaped therefore does not sit properly in the hip joint. It will cause atrophy (where the leg muscle shrinks due to non use). This is a result of the limping as generally over time arthritis sets in causing discomfort when the leg is used. In surgery, generally the femoral head (the ball that sits in the hip joint) is removed or partially removed. This helps the head sit better (if any is left) in the socket.

Leggs Perthes creates a lack of blood flow in the leg where the muscle and cartilage break down. Eventually the femur bone will die due to lack of blood. In all, most dogs with proper therapy and lots of crate rest do fine.

I would recommend you check Leggs Perthes in dogs on the internet.

You should find a great deal of info.