Treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease in Dogs – PetMD

In mild cases of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in dogs, pups will be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Metacam®, and will have an exercise restriction for two months.

• Dogs should be prevented from running, jumping, or bearing any weight on the affected leg. Pet parents may need to use a sling to help the dog walk for potty breaks.
• Pet parents should be aware that the disease may get more severe and later need surgery if starting with oral medications. 

Surgery

Surgery may be needed to fix the affected leg, especially in severe cases.

• A type of surgery called a femoral head and neck ostectomy can be done to remove the diseased part of the femur so that it is no longer part of the hip joint.
  • The hip joint can be described as a ball and socket, and this surgery removes the ball (head of the femur) while leaving the socket (part of the hip).
• This surgery is typically done only for small-breed dogs. It’s not generally done for overweight dogs, as the extra weight puts unwanted stress on this unstable joint during recovery.
• A total hip replacement would be a better choice for large-breed or overweight dogs since the entire joint is replaced, providing more stability.
• After surgery, physical therapy is needed to make sure scar tissue forms well enough to stabilize the joint, and that the dog’s mobility returns.

Recovery and Management of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease in Dogs

Recovery is a slow process as scar tissue must form to stabilize the hip joint. This can take two to three months.

• It’s important that pet parents bring their dog to all follow-up appointments, including physical therapy sessions, to make sure the joint is healing well.
• If surgery was done, a recovery collar should be used to keep your dog from chewing at the incision (cut). Pet parents should follow their veterinarian’s instructions closely to make sure their dog is comfortable during recovery.
• Pet parents should not allow their dog to run or jump during recovery.
  • A short leash should be used for potty breaks, and dogs should not be allowed to play with other pets while they recover.
• The outlook for most dogs is generally good following treatment.
• However, it’s common for dogs to develop osteoarthritis in the affected limb.
  • For this reason, many dogs need long-term medications to control pain and inflammation (swelling).
    • Options may include Previcox®, Metacam®, Rimadyl®, or gabapentin.
  • Dogs with osteoarthritis benefit from orthopedic dog beds to cushion their joints as well.

What is the Treatment? VCA

The treatment of choice is femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) or surgical removal of the femoral head and neck.

• Because the condition often affects young, small breed dogs, it is often unnecessary to replace the hip joint.
• Larger dogs with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease may require a total hip replacement.

What happens to the joint if part of the hip is removed?

Healing involves the laying down of fibrous tissue and in a very short time a false joint is created.

Within months, most dogs are running and playing as if nothing happened.

Can complications occur with the surgery?

Complications are rare following this type of surgery.

• A small percentage of dogs will always experience some limping or discomfort and may require long-term anti-inflammatory medication.
• Others may require a second surgery to remove any residual bone spurs that may cause discomfort.
• Physical rehabilitation beginning shortly after surgery can help improve your dog’s recovery and mobility.