Yorkshire Terrier Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

This is a degenerative disease, meaning that the condition increasingly worsens, and the affected area deteriorates over time.

This causes pain and mobility issues and can be crippling. In addition, Yorkshire Terriers affected by Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease develop osteoarthritis soon afterward, which is thought to be linked to small fractures and scar tissue that occurs with LCPD. Steps should be taken to help delay the onset of osteoarthritis and, once it develops, properly treat it, since arthritis itself can be painful and affect mobility. 

In most cases, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease occurs in just one hip. 

Note that in rare cases, the condition can come on extremely quickly and worsen very suddenly and/or may involve both hind legs. 

• Pain (a Yorkie may hold the leg in an odd manner, whine, want to retreat, or show other signs of discomfort). Pain levels usually increase if the leg is touched or manipulated. 

• Lameness (unable to move or control the leg)

• The affected leg may appear shorter

• Muscle atrophy/loss of muscle tone

Typically, several x-rays are taken over the course of days or weeks to look for changes/progression, which is indicative of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. 

It's common for the first round of x-rays to only show a slight flattening of the head of the femur. Additional x-rays will show a deterioration of the femur, which confirms the diagnosis. If x-rays are taken in later stages, it will show severe deformation and signs of arthritis. 

It is important to take a Yorkie to the veterinarian if Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease is suspected since non-surgical treatment can be effective if there is an early diagnosis. 

This includes: 

 

• Very strict bed-rest. This involves preventing a dog from putting any weight onto the leg. A small crate is used to prevent any standing or walking. For bathroom needs only, a dog can be carried out of the crate and gently placed onto the grass; however, this is done on a very short leash so that they are not able to walk at all. This sort of strict bed rest may last 4 to 6 months. During this time, x-rays will be taken periodically to determine if the area is responding and healing. 

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). One of the most common is Rimadyl, and this can help with both pain and inflammation. Because long-term usage can cause possible organ damage, the veterinarian will need to oversee dosing and a Yorkie will need to be carefully monitored. 

• Corticosteroids. One of the most common is prednisone. Because there can be severe side effects, this is usually only given short-term. Even so, there may be changes in thirst or appetite and risk of susceptibility to infections. A Yorkie will need to be carefully monitored. 

• Supplements. Certain supplements can help treat osteoarthritis, which is always linked to Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease and will be seen in the affected hip. Supplements that are given include Omega fatty acids (those with EPA and DHA, derived from wild fish are often best) and a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin with MSM and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

• Additional treatment may involve laser therapy, acupuncture, massage, and/or non-weight bearing water therapy. 

For larger dogs, total hip replacement is an option; however, toy breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier are not good candidates for this. Instead, surgery is performed to remove the head of the femur bone. Afterward, the body gradually repairs itself as tissue and muscle form in the area. In most cases, a dog no longer suffers from pain. Over the course of a year or so, mobility is restored to varying degrees. 

After surgery, there is a need for physical therapy and medication (including the aforementioned supplements) to aid in a dog's recovery.