Fact Sheet

 Disorder: Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCP)

Variety of Poodle Affected: Toy & Miniature

Description: Loss of blood supply to the cap of the femur bone in the hip joint leading to deterioration of the joint cartilage

Symptoms: Painful rear end lameness

Mode of Inheritance: Unknown, although familial tendency is suspected

Method of Diagnosis: Radiograph (x-ray)

Age of Diagnosis: Early signs may show up at 6-8 months

Where To Submit X-Rays: Veterinary Orthopedic Specialist

Treatment: Surgical removal of the diseased joint cartilage. Use of an oral analgesic (i.e., aspirin under a veterinarian's care) may relieve the pain in the early stages. Left untreated, however, secondary arthritis and painful lameness occur. Surgery to correct this disorder is expensive and may run up to $1,000 depending on the area of the country.

Recommendations: Every dog being used in a breeding program should be x-rayed prior to being bred. Only dogs that have normal hips should be considered for breeding. Dogs that produce offspring with Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease should be considered carriers and great care taken to avoid breeding carrier to carrier.

The information contained above is based on published research current at the time of writing and is accurate to the best of VIP's knowledge.