Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head

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                      General Information



Avascular necrosis is a disease of the hip joints of miniature

and toy breeds of dogs, most often in Poodles.  It develops

between 4 and 12 months of age.  The disease causes 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.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Symptomatic treatment:  This is designed to relieve pain and

    discomfort during recovery in mild cases.



    * Give the medication as directed.



    * Exercise should be restricted for ____ days/weeks.



2.  Surgical treatment:  Excision arthroplasty is the surgical

    removal of the ball portion (femoral head) of the ball and

    socket hip joint.  It is used to treat more severe cases.

    A false joint of fibrous tissue then forms.  This often

    increases both comfort and mobility.  Mild exercise is

    advisable immediately after surgery, but keep your pet

    restrained on a leash.



       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet's discomfort or lameness worsens.



    * Your pet chews at the stitches or irritates the incision.



    * Your pet's general health changes.