West Highland White Terriers Perths Disease Symptoms & Information

By Hayley Harrison

Instructions

Identification

Step 1:
Perths Disease occurs when blood flow to one of your Westie's legs becomes cut off. This results in death of the upper bone in your dog's leg.

Causes

Step 1:
Possible causes of Perths Disease in Westies include trauma or injury to the affected leg, inflammation, poor nutrition and genetics.

Time Frame

Step 1:
Perths Disease usually develops in Westies between the ages of four and 11 months.

Types of Symptoms

Step 1:
Symptoms of Perth's Disease in your Westie include limping or hopping, holding the leg in the air and irritability.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Step 1:
Veterinarians rely upon X-rays of the affected leg in order to diagnose Perths Disease. Usually non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are successful in treating Perths, though severe cases sometimes require immobilization of the leg or surgery.

Prognosis

Step 1:
Normally, dogs recover from Perths in several months, though surgery may take a year to fully recover from. Your dog may limp slightly, however, due to shortening of the affected leg.

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