As a pet science enthusiast and a pet parent myself, I’ve always been intrigued by the complex interplay between genetics and health in our beloved canine companions. A recent study by researchers at Clemson University is diving deep into this subject, specifically focusing on the role of genetics in the development of Legg-Calve Perthes Disease in toy and miniature poodles. If you’re a pet parent to an affected dog and are interested in contributing to this scientific endeavor, you can learn more and get involved at GENOME.
What is Legg-Calve Perthes Disease?
Legg-Calve Perthes is a disorder predominantly affecting small breeds, such as poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, and West Highland White Terriers. It’s a condition where the puppy develops normally until about three months of age, when the ball (femoral head) of the hip joint starts to degenerate. This is thought to be due to a decrease in blood supply to the femoral head, leading to bone deterioration and death. Interestingly, similar conditions can also occur in humans, ultimately resulting in a malformed hip joint and secondary arthritis.
Symptoms of Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
While the deterioration of the hip joint begins around three months, it’s typically not until the puppy reaches six to ten months of age that noticeable symptoms appear. These include lameness and limping on the affected side(s). One or both hip joints may be involved, and the dog’s mobility is significantly impacted.
Risks Associated with Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Unfortunately, once affected, the hip joint will never return to its normal state, and some degree of lameness will persist. The consequence of this is the development of arthritis in the affected joint, which can be quite painful and debilitating for the dog.
Management and Treatment of Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Current medical approaches to managing Legg-Calve Perthes Disease involve surgical removal of the diseased bone, specifically the femoral head. While this procedure won’t restore the hip joint to its original function, it can significantly slow down the destructive arthritic process. Post-surgery, the secondary arthritis should be managed in a manner similar to other forms of arthritis, ensuring the dog maintains the best quality of life possible.