Legg Perthes disease

[vernies mum]

Hi there
I have a beautiful 7 month old male cocker who has been limping and throwing out his back left leg for a couple of weeks now. After reading all the posts we were concerned about HD etc. He went for his xray yeasterday and he has Legg Perthes disease (osteochondritis) which is a nectrotic ball joint at the end of his femur.
I have not seen this on any other posts - does anyone know about it?  The vet suggested we go for excision of the femoral head and keep an eye on his weight.  We go back tomorrow to make the decision.  They have prescribed Rimadyl and Glucosamine supplement.
He in himself is absolutely fine - happy, mad and never still.    Has anyone else had experience of this type of surgery?

[bluegirl]

I'm so sorry to hear that news. I've not heard of it so I don't know the treatments options, but necrotic means dead or dying so to me then only way forward is for surgery. Will they replace the head of the femur with a prosthetic one or not?

Keeping his weight down will ensure he can stay as mobile as possible for as long as possible.

I hope you get some answers. Would it be worth asking to speak to a specialist in this subject before you make your final decision who may offer more treatment options.

[Joelf]

One of our labs had bi-lateral osteochondrosis (OCD) in his elbows; a piece of cartilage had to be removed from the joints..........is this the same as your dog?

If so, the surgery was very successful in our lab's case; he did develop arthritis in the joints but was able to live a full, long & happy life after the convalesance period so hopefully you will have a good prognosis if you do opt for surgery.

[KatieJean]

Sorry to hear your news. Hope you are able to get it sorted.

[sabrino]

I have never heard of it. Sorry that your boy is not too well. Its horrible isn't it. Hope that whatever you decide he's OK!

[Ali77]

I'm so sorry to read your post.  I too have a poorly baby cocker so know how devastating this sort of news is.

I would do as much research as possible and go with your gut decision that's what we had to do with Lottie.

Lots of luck
Ali and Lottie

[Karma]

I did a quick search on Legg Perthes disease, and it does seem that surgery is the normal treatment - mild cases can respond to crate rest, but most do require the surgery.  Also the earlier the surgery the better the chance of full recovery.

This page seems to give a good description of the disease - http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10266365.asp

Wishing you and Lottie all the best, and hope that whatever course of action you take, everything goes well!! 

[Han]

I don't know about Perthes disease in cockers but I have come across it in humans - it is as you say basically necrosis of the femoral head. It can be managed but the best treatment for reducing pain and improving hip mobility is a joint replacement op - this is a problem in children because joint prostheses have a limited age span (10 years or so) and you can only do so many in a lifetime. But I suspect that a new femoral head would give a cocker a wonderful active life!

BUT - definitely get specialist advice 

xx

[vernies mum]

Thanks for the kind thoughts.
We have been back to the vet today - referral for orthopaedic surgeon on 16th to do femoral neck excision. They have suggested rest (have they not met a 7 month cocker before?) And continue until then with Rimadyl as pain relief.
Vernie does seem to be ok in himself - limping a bit during the day but appears in more discomfort and much more noticeable limp at night.  He does not rest.   Trying to get up on the furniture, wanting to play with anything he can - and every so ofen just sets off running across the room for no reason at all. Seriously thinking of cage rest - he is in his cage at night and when we leave him alone - so would prefer it if he would just settle down - but at the rate he is going it may be the only way for enforced rest.
The only other thing I would ask - does anyone know of a good hydrotherapist in Notts/ Derbys or S Yorks - this will be good for him post op if we can find one. The vet said there is a waiting list at the one they use so if there is another good one nearby we would travel.
Will keep you all up to date.

[Heatherb88uk]

Sorry to hear about your boys limp and to say there is a hyrotherapy centre in Hucknall, Notts which I believe is ok but had no dealings with them.  Can't find the exact details in phone book but as I pass it on the way home from work tomorrow I will stop and get the details for you.  Also there is one at Tollerton, Notts as per phone book if you're interested.  Where are you based?  love Heather xxx

[vernies mum]

Thanks for the info for hydro - we are on the border of derbys /notts and can get to sheffield area quite easily so any hydro therapy in those areas that people have good reports from would be useful to know.  Vernie is happy today - still wanting to play and getting very upset that we wont throw any toys for him. 
We are hoping that the operation will go well and that he will soon be back to walking and running around -he does not appear in pain but does still get stiff at evening time and struggles to get up if he is laid on the affected side.  He is so affectionate though and we just hope we are doing what is right.
Fingers crossed for next tuesday.

[Tori]

i've seen 5/6 (that i can remember) different dogs that have gone through a femoral head excison surgery during my time at the vets, one was in fact my friends own border terrier.  In ALL cases the end result has been 100% positive.  Hydrotherapy that has already been suggest is highly advised post surgery to help build the muscle up around the 'joint' and as a rule vets encourage that you get them using the leg as soon as possible post surgery , unlike that of cruciate ligament problems and alike, it is important with this surgery that they start building up the support muscle as soon as.  OCD (osteochondritis) is far more common in larger breeds such as GSD's and newfies etc (also seen a Welsh springer with this aswell but never so far in a cocker) what i do know is that in GSD's they do say that it is a hereditary disease.

Good luck with the surgery and healling and calming (whilst on rest duty) thoughts to you all 

[Heatherb88uk]

Glad to hear that Vernie is happy and coping as well as possible.  The hydrotherapy centre I mentioned in my earlier reply at Hucknall, Notts. is called The Nottingham Canine Hydrotherapy Centre and I sure it will have a web-site if you Google it.  However, I can tell you its an easy drive from junction 27 of the M1 and has been feature on the local TV station.  Hope this helps love to you and your baby Heather xxx