| How do I know for sure re: Legg Perthes
Hi all, I need some advice.
Our new puppy, Snowy, is a 6 month old Bischon. He is a happy, very active little boy--and other than normal puppy stuff, has been a very healthy, loving family member.
About 10 days ago, I noticed him limping and favoring his left hind leg. I watched him for a couple of days, and he did not improve, so we took him to our vet. This is a vet we've had for years--who kept our previous 4-legged family member alive for many wonderful years beyond what we would have expected.
The vet couldn't find anything obvious, so did a set of x-rays. In looking at them, he thought poor Snowy might have Legg Perthes--(avascular femoral head necrosis). He gave me a supply of Rimadyl, and sent the x-rays off to a radiologist to read.
After about 3 days on the Rimadyl, Snowy is walking nearly normal. He seems stiff in the morning and after lying still for a while, but on walks he is using the leg almost normally and is very active and playful--jumping and running and just being a puppy. I was very encouraged by his response to the meds, and thought this indicated that the problem was likely soft tissue rather than the more serious problem.
Tonight the vet called, and said the radiologist confirmed that Snowy does have Legg Perthes--and that we need to schedule our poor baby for surgery where they will remove the femoral head. Reading about this condition on the web, it looks like small dogs have a very good prognosis..BUT
I also read that in a small percentage of the cases the situation somehow resolves itself after a month or two. But, on the other side of the coin, the readings also suggest that the quicker the surgery is done, the better the recovery.
I've discussed this with the vet--and he feels that the Rimadyl is a temporary relief, and that we should proceed to the surgery ASAP. I'm concerned that we don't put poor Snowy thru a surgery that he may not need.
Should I seek a second opinion? I do trust our vet, but I also see how well Snowy is doing right now? Any advice?
Thanks,
Snowy's worried daddy, Denny | 
