Legg-Perthes - Worried about our little Luke
 

Hope am posting this in the correct place.

First want to say if you have a puppy be aware of this condition and precaution to possibly get an X-ray done at around 8-9 months.

Had a trainer with Luke last week (Luke 9 1/2mo - 2lb 14.5oz), she noticed that he had just started holding his left rear leg up and said his muscle felt different then the right side. Would have noticed it later am sure, but he must have started barely having his toes on the floor and not his foot within the last 24 hours. So off to the Vet on Thursday - X-Ray - and report showed Legg Perthes. This was new to me in small animals. We have had Yorkies over 33 years and never a problem before.

Went to surgeon yesterday, he told us Luke had this for about 6-8 weeks. Surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday. Was told he should make a wonderful recovery and when all healed he should get around like he never had anything done. Surgery and then stays for 7 days for therapy - then comes home, crate confirmed for at least 1-2 weeks and have to take him 5 days a week for therapy for 2 weeks. We don't see him after surgery but can go daily except Sunday until he is able to come home. Feel comfortable with the surgeon, he is use to working on small dogs, he is an ortho surgeon, and has taught so many places. The facility is spotless and WOW - 12,000 sq feet, they have everything there CAT scan, MRI, radiologist, therapy areas, other vet specialist, and vet always there 24/7

Purchased Trupanion when we got these babies, and they said this is covered and sent us a claim form. I also purchased the add on rider which will cover the therapy.

The breeder who we had bought before was totally surprised, she offered to pay our deductible and even offered to buy him back. This was the first litter out of the bitch but the dog had many other breeding with no issue. Guess this combo wasn't good, but you don't know. She has been wonderful, we have become friends over these dogs and our previous girl lived to be 15 that we got from her. Very upfront breeder and still highly recommend. She did everything prior to purchase, blood work, bile acid, spay/neuter (we got Luke's sister Lily, she is 2lb 6oz). Told me what to do if he doesn't eat and we text her with any question.

Am so worried about this procedure and want him to wake up from the sedation. We are camping out in the lobby until he is out of surgery and awake.

Will try to post updates to the surgery, progress and healing.

Praying for my little Luke.

Prayers for Luke and the rest of the family!!!

So sorry. Hope he recovers well. I am so glad you have a good breeder to support you.

My precious Zeusy had this surgery on December 11, 2015. He was 14 months old, and the hip was collapsing by the time he had his surgery. His muscle was completely atrophied. We had to switch vets to get the correct diagnosis, so it took a little longer than it should have. I am happy that report that you would never know he had this disease. He is running and playing like the old Zeusy. He also doesn't look any different at all. The hardest part was the confinement; however, due to the timing (Christmas vacation for my son), between me, my husband, and my teenage son, one of us was home to hold him in our lap and watch over him. He came to work with me for 3 days, so we didn't have to cage him. I slept in the recliner with him. He HATES being in a crate or carrier. Other than that, the surgery and recovery was much better than I had anticipated. If you have any questions now or during recovery, please feel free to ask. Best wishes!!

Sounds to me like you have a wonderful breeder and a great plan for your baby. Your breeder is absolutely correct....this fluke can blindside you right out of the blue....I had a female that I had used for 8 years, the last 6 years with the same stud. She had many litters during those years and had NEVER had a problem with even one baby....then right out of the blue, she threw a pup that had this crop up. These people even have a sibling from the same litter, that has no evidence of this issue. This baby was almost a year old before it showed up and this female had already had another litter.....never showed up in any of those babies either....clearly a throw back fluke.....but you dont continue to breed these specific two anymore.

A reputable breeder will be there for you, as yours is doing. We all handle it differently....I paid for all diagnostic testing, the surgery to correct the problem, the after care vet bills, as well as testing on the other little dog to make sure it was not a powder keg there too. That was the only puppy to ever have it from my breedings, never had it again....but you MUST stand by people when something like this happens to them, for the life of that baby.

You are sitting is a very good place....you have an excellent plan of care outlined for your baby, you have bought your baby from a reputable breeder that is there with you during this, and you have an excellent post op care plan, driven by professionals that know what they are doing....your baby will be just fine! And when it is all over, you wont even be able to tell what has happened! Your baby will be almost as good as new! Be encouraged with this.....you are in a great place with this pup!

Thank you Judy, your advice/knowledge is so wonderful!

Thank you for sharing your experience and glad your baby is doing fine. Was lucky the vet got it on the first x-ray and sent us to the specialist. Also thank you for your offer if I have questions.

Also, if it helps- I know it's not the same disease but my pup had a corrective surgery on her kneecap, and has healed beautifully from it. Never would know anything was done except for the scar, which hair will cover.

That is wonderful to hear and words of encouragement.

Judy - I wasn't this worried when I had my last surgery - I feel better now with everyone's kind thoughts and words but will be glad when Tuesday is over next week.

Also sent my pre-approval claim into Trupanion, they are so nice on the phone, since his surgery is Tuesday, they are rushing up the approval so we know what is covered and what is not. Anything this little boy needs he will get. They will allow him to have his small puppy kong but no other toys from home or bedding. They are strict on the sterile environment. Am allowed to take his food and will give him some good enhancements like his Duck Duck Goose patties which he loves.

Lynn

I always send things from home. I sent some wet food in case my girl didn't want to eat due to stress when she had to have her surgery. She didn't need it, but it was comforting to me knowing that she would have something tempting if she refused her regular food. I also made sure I made a paper instruction sheet (yep, nervous owner!) with her meal amounts, my cell and work phone numbers, full name, etc. Just in case. I folded that up and put it in her overnight bag.

My vet will allow a pillow case or a t-shirt of the owners, so baby will continue to smell their momma all the while they are there....sounds like you are getting all your ducks in a row....like Mr T used to say...."I love it when a plan all comes together"....

Luke had his surgery today and is resting comfortably tonight. Will get to see him tomorrow. Surgery time was about an hour.

He is in our thoughts. Keep us updated on the little angel.

I hope all went well. Sasha had the top of her Femur removed last year and she doing well. I can still see her lift the leg once in a while when she goes into a full run but she is no longer in pain.

I'm so glad the surgery went well. Now I hope the recovery goes as smoothly as our baby's did. Keep us posted.

Last day after surgery
 

Attachment 409393Went to visit Luke today. He walked around the visiting room and ate some chicken and favorite treats from us. Hate for him not to be home, but they know how to care for him much better than we do. He starts therapy today, which is massage, muscle stimulation, and laser treatment. Will go back and spend time with him again tomorrow. Our previous Luke is over the surgery and on the way to recovery. All wonderful 3lbs of him. His sister Lily has looked everywhere for him, but seems to be okay playing with her toys, of course she is getting lots more attention from us to keep her busy.

Luke gets to come home early !!
 

Yesterday on my visit, they surgeon said he is doing so well, age 90% of his food and standing up and doing his business, that we could bring him home today. He still has two more session in Therapy level 1, then level 2 & 3 but doesn't have to stay the full 7 days. We are so happy. Yesterday on the visit he knew me, got excited when he saw was waiting on him, and lot of kisses.

Fed him some chicken and took his braided chew stick as they don't allow him to have one in the cage. He has more teeth than a shark right now with the adult teeth coming in. Sat on the floor with he was in his bed and he was so cute just chewing away. About 30 minutes into the visit he fell fast asleep from chewing.

He is on three pills a day - 2 for pain - 1 antibiotic. He is to stay caged and not run around but can take him out and sit with him on the floor with him in his bed. No playing or running loose at all with his sister.

I had the orth surgeon and the neurologist both told us they do not know why this happens in some small dogs. They have done enough study to know it is not genetic but it just happens and can't explain it. (One of my girlfriends has this and she found out about it when she was young that something was wrong with her hip but at age 20 they found it what it was) - kids can have this also.

There was another lady there visiting her Pom, and this was the 2nd surgery - had it on both sides. Luke X-ray showed other hip is good.

Happy Day at our house and guess DH and I will take turns sleeping on the floor for a few nights. He is not in a soft collar (Luke that is) but they are sending one home with us if we need it.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
Great news about your baby! He will be good as new! When I had this come up one time in one puppy from a male/female breeding that I had done for at least 6 years, then all of a sudden, one puppy from the last litter my young lady had, developed this....I had done extensive research on this, and what your vet told you is what the consensus is among vets that work with this issue....I was fearful it was genetic, but it isnt.....it is a fluke! I am just thrilled they can fix it so well and the results are great.

I LOVE your vet and the system he has going on in that office! He sounds like he is johnny on the spot up to date with latest research and care plans, surgeries, and rehab!!! Please share with me who this practice is, so I can make a note and refer this practice to people in your area that may be searching for a great vet!

Coastal Empire Veteriniary Surgery in Savannah, Ga - their Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/Coastal-Emp...=page_internal
Dr Paul Shealy is his surgeon - extremely nice guy and his bio is incredible. In this center they have 24 Emergency, Intensive Care, Neurology, Oncology, Internal Medicine, Rehab, Physical Therapy - (there are some good picture of their services/areas on the FB page) and do just about all care. Can't say enough good things about them. Building is 12,000 sq ft and they are expanding - also have a MRI, CT scan - 2 surgery areas - check out the pictures of the two physical therapy areas on FB.
They have a package deal of the FHO surgery that Luke had and it included the physical therapy, their total cost was around $3,500.

Paul M. Shealy MS, DVM, MS, DACVS is a board certified small animal surgeon providing general, oncologic, thoracic, plastic/reconstructive, orthopedic, and neurological surgical services at The Hospital for Specialized Veterinary Care in Savannah, Georgia. His practice is recognized for pioneering and the continued developement of physical therapy and rehabilitation in veterinary medicine. His premier center, Animal Rehabilitation Concepts, offers state-of-the-art therapeutic modalities for non-surgical conditions and post-operative recovery. As part of his sports medicine program, Georgia Canine Sports Medicine, Dr. Shealy is involved in clinical research for the treatment of joint diseases. Recently, regenerative medicine protocols have been established in which stem cells are obtained from fat and utilized clinically in his patients. Advanced imaging, digital radiography, and CT scan complement the expertise of the practice. His personal interests include managing the family horse farm, playing polo, sporting clays, and fishing.

335 Stephenson Ave, Savannah, Ga 31405
Phone: 912-354-6681

Also listed with VSS - Veterinary Services of the Southeast

Luke had staples removed today
 

His operation was last Tuesday and today they removed his staples. He seems to feel better now that they are gone.

Tomorrow he starts Hydro Therapy - 2nd phase of therapy - they start him on the treadmill and then raise the water up - prob will only to have to bring it up 2-3 inches I guess. I got him an XXS swim vest if he needs it, and hope it isn't too big.

He is doing great - walking around and trying to put his front paws down. Was told in 12 weeks the bone would have replaced itself with scar tissue and then calcify over after a period of time- isn't the body wonderful.

Yesterday was his first day off pain meds and after his therapy he slept a lot.

He gets so excited when they bring him out to me, like okay Mom - I am ready to go home.

Will go back with him to therapy in a couple of days after he gets the treadmill down and try to do a video.

So proud of our little Luke - and glad we are in the recovery stage

What a fantastic story! Yay Luke!! When Monty had to get dental xrays after his attack, I had them do a pelvic xray at the same time ... just cause. He's 10 months old. After reading Luke's story I am glad that I did. Now I don't have it sitting as a wonder. Nod Yep.

I did the same thing on Lily which is Luke's sister. So far so good on her - what a relief, but she is smaller 10 mo old and 2lb 8oz. Will have her checked again at 12 months.

Glad your Monty is okay.

awwww so glad he is doing well.

Glad he's coming along -- I knew he would! We just got a second Yorkie from the same man we got Zeus from, and I am going to have him x-rayed around 10 months at the suggestion of the vet, since we had the LCP with Zeus. We sure hope Perseus doesn't have it. The man said that Zeus is the first Yorkie he's ever had that's had LCP. My vet said the same thing as yours, as well as the orthpaedic vet that did Zeus's surgery. Once of those kooky things that just happens sometimes. We have a vet hospital at Miss. State University which is less than 30 minutes from where I live; however, I was told the ortho vet that did Zeus's surgery was really good. We decided to stick with him, and what do you know, my boss knew him. He also studied at Miss. State. Good luck with a continued easy recovery!:)

:cool88:

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
Be sure your breeder is kept right up to date so he can be watching that breeding pair closely....I also had it show up in ONE puppy, after breeding that same pair at least 6 times....never had it again....and that one lady has a litter mate of the pup that had the LCP! No evidence of an issue in that other baby! Your breeder is absolutely correct! This is NOT a genetic issue, they do not really know WHY it crops up suddenly......I had a 16 page research study conducted by 3 major vet schools on this....I lost that paper when my computer crashed last year....never was able to retrieve that research and it was priceless and a wealth of knowledge....

Don't be so quick to believe it is not genetic. I have had a few yorkies with LCP and seen more thank I can count on this forum over the years. It IS thought to be genetic and any breeder who has a pup with it is advised to remove the pup from his/her breeding program. Reputable breeders DO have their breeding stock checked for LCP

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: Legg-Calve-Perthes

Linda is quite correct. LCP genetic origins are unknown - but definitely thought to be probably a polygenetic recessive trait. THe key is where to look with necrosis of the artery supplying blood flow to the neck/head of the femur bone it might have some association with arterial blood supply flow or arterial structural integrity.

Again breeding decisions have to be multifaceted and factor in many health and structural concernsnot not mention temperament . Hopefully we continue to glean further understanding through accurate genetic tests prior to breeding.

This was the bitch first litter and the dog had several litters - these were bred by a show breeder who developed her own line and when the breeder had a dog that wasn't going to be shown for what ever reason - these two were too small - they are sold as pets. The dog was retired and spayed - before we knew Luke had LP. This breeder even offered to buy him back and pay our insurance deductible which we declined - very honest breeder.

So far Luke is doing well after surgery 9 days out.