Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease - a common disease in toy poodles

This month’s patient of the month is gorgeous 6 month old Poodle Cross called Mojo. Mojo’s owner had noticed that he had been limping on his right hind leg. Dr Raj Wicks examined Mojo and found he had severe muscle wasting and resented his hind legs being extended.

Dr Raj radiographed Mojo’s hips and hind legs and discovered he had severe degenerative joint disease to the head of the femur. Dr Wicks believed this had occurred secondary to a disease commonly found in toy poodles called Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease. This is a disease which reduces the blood flow to the head of the femur. The reduced blood flow had caused the bone to erode and painful arthritis to occur.

Dr. Raj advised Mojo’s owner that Mojo would require orthopaedic surgery to remove the damaged bone.

Mojo was placed on intravenous fluids to support his blood pressure throughout the anaesthetic which nurse Lauren closely monitored. Dr Raj and Dr Wayne performed the surgery which involved surgically removing the head of Mojo’ femur.

Mojo recovered extremely well from the surgery . He felt so good that he was not pleased about having to stay confined. He was sent home the next day on further pain relief medication and strict confinement for the next week. After this time Mojo could start to exercise his leg again through physiotherapy with his owner and activities like swimming.