Legge-Calves-Perthes is thought to be genetic that is correct but not proven for sure yet. However, there is wrong information, there is NO TEST for it. Until a genetic marker is found for it, there is no way in a mating a breeder will know that a pup could potentially have LCP.
If there was a test that would make it easy. Two completely normal parents can be carriers meaning they don't have it but are carrying the genes to produce it. You don't know if they are until you actually get a puppy from the mating that has it. It does help enormously if you know the lines you dealing with to know what might be in the background but that still is not a for sure thing, it can still pop up in a mating.
An LCP dog or puppy, usually manifests the symptoms by suddenly hiking the rear leg and sometimes will not walk on it at all. It is easy for the average pet owner to think they have pulled something or perhaps has a knee issue.
A visit to the Vet who will xray if LCP is suspected will confirm it. you can see it on the xray where the end of the bone going into the hip, has lost circulation and died. It almost looks like a break.
A knowledgable vet can do surgery, remove the end of the bone that has died, put it back into the hip. After initial healing gentle exercise and massage will knit a new joint.
However, the parents should be removed from the breeding program and certainly progeny should not be used for breeding again.
I have seen a Pomeranian with this, now 12 years old, living a very normal happy life and no arthritis has set in at all.
In my contracts, I have a guarantee for LCP but I would pay for the surgery and refund half the purchase price should the owner want to keep the puppy. |