Just diagnosed with Legg-Perthes - YorkieTalk.com Forums

jaxson · 10-13-2005, 10:06 AM

Our little pup, J Crew, has been limping and favoring his right rear leg for a few weeks. It seemed to be getting worse so we took him to the vet. The first doctor we saw put him on medication and said wait a couple weeks. The second doctor we went to took x-rays and determined that he had Legg-Perthes disease. I saw the x-ray, the right hip joint looks pretty bad. The doctor explained that he will need surgery in the future. He described the process as cutting the ball and neck off of the femur. There is no joint put back in its place. He indicated that the muscles hold the bone in place. This sounds strange to me, but he said it is very common.

Has anyone went through this?

Do they make a full recovery?

When should it be done the sooner the better?

What compications can arise?

A little more info on J Crew he is seven months old and weighs 4.6 lbs (just weighed today at the vet)

Thanks,

schatzie · 10-13-2005, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaxson

Our little pup, J Crew, has been limping and favoring his right rear leg for a few weeks. It seemed to be getting worse so we took him to the vet. The first doctor we saw put him on medication and said wait a couple weeks. The second doctor we went to took x-rays and determined that he had Legg-Perthes disease. I saw the x-ray, the right hip joint looks pretty bad. The doctor explained that he will need surgery in the future. He described the process as cutting the ball and neck off of the femur. There is no joint put back in its place. He indicated that the muscles hold the bone in place. This sounds strange to me, but he said it is very common.

Has anyone went through this? Yes Schatzie and some other member's fur babies

Do they make a full recovery? Yes, Schatzie made 100% recovery

When should it be done the sooner the better? Yes, your Yorkie is in pain. You can clearly see this by limping. Imagine your joint being jagged and seperated.

What compications can arise? Schatzie might have arthritis in her older years.

A little more info on J Crew he is seven months old and weighs 4.6 lbs (just weighed today at the vet)

Thanks,

I am sorry you have been given this information about your J Crew. But...be rest assured he will be okay after surgery.

My Schatzie was diagnosed with this also and she had surgery. It has not been a quite a year since her surgery and she does favor her leg every once in a while.

The surgery was very easy and I got to take her home the same day. They shaved her entire hip and leg area. Yes, it took a very long time for the hair to grow back, lol.

YorkieRose · 10-13-2005, 10:35 AM

There have been several YT members with Yorkies who needed this surgery. They have all done well and it is necessary, sooner the better. Best wishes..

jaxson · 10-13-2005, 01:43 PM

thanks for the feedback! Will they be able to put weight on the leg with no hip joint????

schatzie · 10-13-2005, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaxson

thanks for the feedback! Will they be able to put weight on the leg with no hip joint????

The surgery consists of shaving the top head femora (sp) bone. After a day or so of surgery your Yorkie should walk/romp as normal as to rebuild the muscle that surrounds the femora head/hip to strengthen.

Schatzie was up and around in no time (next day once anesthesia wore off) and would put her weight on it off and on. Looking and watching Schatzie now, you'd never know she had surgery. Only once in awhile do I see her running full speed outside while favoring it. I think she tends to get sore a tad bit over exersizing.

I rub her hips and back end everyday, she seems to love this. Maybe your J Crew would enjoy this type of massage also after surgery/healing.

Schatzie was appx. 7 months also when diagnosed. This is the age when LP begins to really show.

It truly is an easy surgery. I wish I had known this then when I found out she had it because I cried and cried and was so worried about her w/ having terrible thoughts. I do hope I can ease your mind somewhat.

schatzie · 10-13-2005, 01:55 PM

Here is a picture the day of Schatzie's surgery.

jaxson · 10-13-2005, 05:57 PM

thanks again!

It just seemed strange that the surgery consists of actually removing the joint without replacing it with something.

I hope everything works out. I plan on having it done within a couple of weeks.

whispersmom2 · 10-13-2005, 06:43 PM

One of the males that I bought for stud was afflicted with LCP. Pat knew what it was before I had the symptoms out of my mouth. Sure enough, he was 8-9 months old but was not in pain. I gave him to a vet tech, offered to pay for his surgery (She got 50% off the surgery! Whatta deal!) He now goes with his mom to an assited living home as a therapy dog. Wonderful story, huh? Something good from something awful..
Your baby will be fine. And as Pat said, if surgery is needed, the sooner the beter..

schatzie · 10-13-2005, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaxson

thanks again!

It just seemed strange that the surgery consists of actually removing the joint without replacing it with something.

I hope everything works out. I plan on having it done within a couple of weeks.

I thought the same as you, thinking she'd have some "parts" replaced but not the case. Once the muscle regrows/attaches all is good again. I hope you keep us posted on how J Crew does. My thoughts will be with him.

YorkieShadow · 10-13-2005, 07:05 PM

Awww I am so sorry to hear about this. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.

jaxson · 10-23-2005, 03:47 PM

Well we got the surgery done Thurs Oct 20th. The vet said everything went well. We also go J Crew snipped

so he has been sore for the first couple of days.

My question to everyone who has experienced this Legg Perthes surgery is how long before they begin to attempt to put any weight on this leg? As of now he acts like he feels great but is very leary of his leg. He started to develop a little atrophy in this leg before the surgery now I am concerned that it is going to get much worse if he does not use it soon.

Any feedback would be appreciated

Thanks,

Jax

Yorkielove123 · 10-23-2005, 03:59 PM

Romeo had surgery about 6 months ago & he is doing great!!! He is 1 1/2 years old now & weighs 4 lbs. It didn't take him long to use the leg after surgery. Our problem is that he also had a bad knee on the other leg, which he had surgery on that around 6 weeks ago. He is doing better but still not using that leg yet. He recovered from the hip quicker because the hip, per the Specialist, was alot more painful & having the surgery gave him major relief so it helps them use it quicker. The knee is a different story. We just have to do some physical therapy on his knee & hopefully he will start using it. We will have you in our thoughts & we will be cheering your baby on!!! Good Luck & everything will turn out fine!!! We are here for you, don't forget & keep us posted.

schatzie · 10-24-2005, 10:09 AM

I am glad to hear that J Crew is doing ok after surgery.

Schatzie began putting weight on her leg not too long after surgery. However there are times even now I can see she doesn't always place her full weight on her bummed leg. It all takes time.

She too had muscle loss and is better now.

Wishes and happy thoughts for J Crew's continued healing!!

LilBit · 10-24-2005, 02:17 PM

Thanks again YT has again answered my questions. Lil Bear hasn't put weight on his hind leg for the last few days and after reading your post I took him to the vet today. He showed us the xray and will be doing surgery on Thursday. Thanks for letting me know what to expect. I didn't even ask what surgery is going to cost I just knew I wanted him well, can you give me a price range it is going to cost maybe?

[FONT=Lucida Console]

LilBit · 10-24-2005, 02:18 PM

Thanks for the picture it sure helps to know what to expect

10-13-2005, 10:06 AM	#1
jaxson YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 9	Just diagnosed with Legg-Perthes Our little pup, J Crew, has been limping and favoring his right rear leg for a few weeks. It seemed to be getting worse so we took him to the vet. The first doctor we saw put him on medication and said wait a couple weeks. The second doctor we went to took x-rays and determined that he had Legg-Perthes disease. I saw the x-ray, the right hip joint looks pretty bad. The doctor explained that he will need surgery in the future. He described the process as cutting the ball and neck off of the femur. There is no joint put back in its place. He indicated that the muscles hold the bone in place. This sounds strange to me, but he said it is very common. Has anyone went through this? Do they make a full recovery? When should it be done the sooner the better? What compications can arise? A little more info on J Crew he is seven months old and weighs 4.6 lbs (just weighed today at the vet) Thanks,

10-13-2005, 10:35 AM	#3
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	Lp There have been several YT members with Yorkies who needed this surgery. They have all done well and it is necessary, sooner the better. Best wishes..

10-23-2005, 03:59 PM	#12
Yorkielove123 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 882	Romeo had surgery about 6 months ago & he is doing great!!! He is 1 1/2 years old now & weighs 4 lbs. It didn't take him long to use the leg after surgery. Our problem is that he also had a bad knee on the other leg, which he had surgery on that around 6 weeks ago. He is doing better but still not using that leg yet. He recovered from the hip quicker because the hip, per the Specialist, was alot more painful & having the surgery gave him major relief so it helps them use it quicker. The knee is a different story. We just have to do some physical therapy on his knee & hopefully he will start using it. We will have you in our thoughts & we will be cheering your baby on!!! Good Luck & everything will turn out fine!!! We are here for you, don't forget & keep us posted. __________________ Libby, Bounce, Romeo, & Isabella Go colts!!!

10-24-2005, 10:09 AM	#13
schatzie *Moderator Emeritus* Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tontitown Arkansas Posts: 4,909	I am glad to hear that J Crew is doing ok after surgery. Schatzie began putting weight on her leg not too long after surgery. However there are times even now I can see she doesn't always place her full weight on her bummed leg. It all takes time. She too had muscle loss and is better now. Wishes and happy thoughts for J Crew's continued healing!! __________________ ~~~~ Schatzie and Ransom ~~~~

10-24-2005, 02:17 PM	#14
LilBit Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 107	Thanks again YT has again answered my questions. Lil Bear hasn't put weight on his hind leg for the last few days and after reading your post I took him to the vet today. He showed us the xray and will be doing surgery on Thursday. Thanks for letting me know what to expect. I didn't even ask what surgery is going to cost I just knew I wanted him well, can you give me a price range it is going to cost maybe? [FONT=Lucida Console] __________________ Shado Boy, Sadie Girl, Lil Toot, & Mom

10-13-2005, 01:43 PM	#4
jaxson YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 9	thanks for the feedback! Will they be able to put weight on the leg with no hip joint????

10-13-2005, 05:57 PM	#7
jaxson YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 9	thanks again! It just seemed strange that the surgery consists of actually removing the joint without replacing it with something. I hope everything works out. I plan on having it done within a couple of weeks.

10-13-2005, 06:43 PM	#8
whispersmom2 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MD Posts: 2,985	One of the males that I bought for stud was afflicted with LCP. Pat knew what it was before I had the symptoms out of my mouth. Sure enough, he was 8-9 months old but was not in pain. I gave him to a vet tech, offered to pay for his surgery (She got 50% off the surgery! Whatta deal!) He now goes with his mom to an assited living home as a therapy dog. Wonderful story, huh? Something good from something awful.. Your baby will be fine. And as Pat said, if surgery is needed, the sooner the beter..

10-13-2005, 07:05 PM	#10
YorkieShadow BANNED! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: USA Posts: 9,999	Awww I am so sorry to hear about this. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.

10-23-2005, 03:47 PM	#11
jaxson YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 9	Well we got the surgery done Thurs Oct 20th. The vet said everything went well. We also go J Crew snipped so he has been sore for the first couple of days. My question to everyone who has experienced this Legg Perthes surgery is how long before they begin to attempt to put any weight on this leg? As of now he acts like he feels great but is very leary of his leg. He started to develop a little atrophy in this leg before the surgery now I am concerned that it is going to get much worse if he does not use it soon. Any feedback would be appreciated Thanks, Jax

10-24-2005, 02:18 PM	#15
LilBit Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 107	Thanks for the picture it sure helps to know what to expect __________________ Shado Boy, Sadie Girl, Lil Toot, & Mom