This orthopedic disorder is known by many names: Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, Legg-Perthes disease, Perthes disease, coxa plana, aseptic or avascular necrosis of the femoral head.  All of these names still amount to - a deterioration of the head of the femur (thighbone) due to insufficient blood supply.  As a result of the insufficient blood supply the head of the femur begins to die and disintegrate.  The disintegration can be seen, through x-rays as a flattening of the femoral tip.
        Most often, only one leg is affected.  This condition occurs more frequently in males, between the ages of 4 to 10 years.  Some family bloodlines tend to have extremely high incidence of this condition, while other bloodlines appear to be less susceptible.
        Symptoms of this condition will vary according to the severity of the degeneration.  Physical indications of this condition may include: knee pain (may be the only initial indication), thigh pain, muscular atrophy in the upper thigh, restricted movement in the hip, limping, difficulty walking, and asymmetry (unequal length) of legs.
        Positive diagnosis can usually be achieved through x-rays of the hip and/or pelvis.
        Treatment of this condition will also vary dependent upon severity.  In mild cases, enforced rest may be adequate.  Resting can allow the body to generate new bone cells replacing the damaged ones.  In more advanced cases surgery may be needed.
        The long-term prognosis of this condition is dependent upon the extent of the damage.  It is critical that the dog is treated by a veterinarian as early as possible in the progress of this disorder.
        Dogs that have had Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (regardless of the degree of severity) should never be used for breeding.