I have been reading about the poodle with leg-perthes. *sp?) My top producing toy bitch had a puppy like that in her last litter. I understand there have bee three from the breeder I bought her from. They are from a very well known champion line. So it can happen to anyone. I was just sick about it and she hasn't been bred again. Not sure how this is passed on. We have a male out of her that is pointed and will finish because that will make her 8 champion children. I am not sure I should breed him ever. Can anyone tell me if he will pass it also? Sandy

-- Anonymous, April 28, 1999

Answers

Perthes disease (a.k.a. Legg Calves Perthes) can have a genetic element but it can also be caused by injury or accident. With several members of a dogs family affected it is probable that the problem is genetic. I would be interested to hear what family of dogs the affected ones were from as a friend had a Toy from the US which produced Perthes.

-- Anonymous, June 24, 1999