Legg-Perthes'

Legg-Perthes' disease is a degeneration of the head of the femur.   The femur is the upper bone in the rear legs of dogs.  The part of the femur that degenerates is the ball at the end of the bone that fits into the socket formed by the pelvic bone.

There is no conclusive evidence that demonstrates whether Legg-Perthes' disease is genetic or that certain dogs are more prone than others.  It is known that the condition may be caused by trauma to the joint.  The degeneration may be triggered by a fall or blow to the hip joint that causes the flow of blood to the joint to be impeded.  

Regardless of cause, Legg-Perthes' disease causes, pain, limping, and then eventually arthritis in the affected hip.  It is common for Legg-Perthes' disease to affect only one hip of the dog.  

Legg-Perthes' disease is treated with surgery to remove the disintegrated bone segment.  Once the bad part of the bone is removed the muscles surrounding the joint may begin to hold the leg in place.  Recovery is usually near complete and improvement is rapid.  Do not wait too long to see your veterinarian should your Yorkie develop a limp.  The longer the condition goes untreated, the more difficult it is for the dog to make a complete recovery.

The disease usually shows up by the seventh month.  The only real preventive measure that can be taken is to keep your puppy from climbing when he or she is young.  Puppies naturally like to get up on the furniture with you.  When they are young, they may try to jump--or simply fall--from a height too great for them to effectively navigate, resulting in Legg-Perthes' disease.