Legg - Perthes Disease in Bostons?

by Chris
(Cohoes, NY)

Has anyone ever heard of a Boston getting this disease? My dog has come up lame on her back leg and the vet after X-Rays states it is Legg Perthes Disease. A condition where the blood supply to the neck of the femur is inadequate, leading to bone destruction in the hip joint, resulting in a roughened, irregular joint surface. Moving the rear legs causes pain, and the leg muscles weaken and shrink from insufficient use. Occasionally the limbs actually shorten. One or both rear legs may be affected. If only one leg is involved, the dog usually refuses to bear any weight on that limb.

Avascular necrosis is hereditary and probably results from breeding for small body size. This selective breeding produces dogs that mature more rapidly, and the early effects of hormones on the developing hips may cause the disease. Some researchers also believe that injury to the developing hips may cause the condition. If the condition is not treated, the dog may develop severe arthritis in later life. Usually, lameness is so severe that treatment is mandatory.

Can anyone advise if you have heard of this in the breed?

Thank you