LP or something else?
 

Maggie has a boyfriend who is a 10 pound yorkie. He is long legged compared to Maggie (same weight). I have been noticing that he has a hitch in his giddyup. I mean he will be walking along and then for a couple of steps he will keep his left rear leg off the ground, then he walks normally. Then he will do it again, sometimes one step, sometimes a couple. I can't tell if it's an illusion or not, but to me it looks like that leg is turned just a little more outward. He has big hairy feet, so it's hard to tell. He does take walks where I don't see him do it.

I have mentioned it to his dad, but not sure if he gets that it is important. If it's "just" LP then is there no treatment until the symptoms get worse? The dad seems to,think he does this more often in the cool weather than the warm. He is about 4 years old. I don't know how leggs calves perthes presents. Is it also with a skip now and then? What age does it show up? He is due for his checkup, so hopefully they have a good vet who will check his knees. Just wondered how much I should say to them as far as having him seen sooner than later. They do take very good care of him, but may not be aware these issues exist for yorkies.

Sounds like LP... surgery not usually done until the knee no longer 'pops' back in. R&R and no running or jumping for a week or two may improve the condition temporarily. LP I think is more intermittent than LCP, once a limp starts, it progressively gets worse. Both can happen at any age, more active dogs will be noticed sooner than later.

Both LP and LCP have similar symptoms, but a vet can easily tell them apart. I'd have it checked out sooner rather than later, because the longer you wait, the more likely the possibility of additional injury, muscular atrophy, or arthritis developing. Only a vet can make the diagnosis, and determine the degree of severity and recommend a treatment. If it's mild, it might be treatable with anti-inflammatories. If it's more severe, surgery might be recommended.