What should you know about dog legg calve perthes disease?

The disease affects the femoral head, the rounded top of the thigh bone that fits into the hip socket. Reduced blood supply can weaken this bone, leading to pain, stiffness, and progressive difficulty using a hind leg. A dog may limp, avoid stairs, resist hip movement, or lose muscle on the affected side. The signs can overlap with injury or other hip disorders, so a veterinarian usually combines an examination with imaging.

Book a veterinary appointment when a young dog develops a persistent or worsening hind-leg limp. Until then, restrict jumping, running, and rough play, while providing a secure, non-slip resting area. Treatment may involve pain relief, activity control, rehabilitation, or surgery when the hip is badly affected. Paediatric physiotherapy can support safe movement and muscle recovery; an osteotomy is one surgical approach your veterinary team may discuss.

Seek urgent veterinary care if the dog cannot stand, cries with handling, has sudden severe pain, or has a limb that appears deformed after an accident. Prompt review is also appropriate when limping persists, appetite or behaviour changes, or the dog stops placing the foot down.

Could imaging confirm the hip problem? How much activity is safe now? Is pain relief needed? Would rehabilitation or an osteotomy suit my dog’s age and hip changes?