Living with Legg Perthes.

I have a diagnosis for Hansel's ailment. It's called 'Legg Perthes'. I understand a bit more about it today than i did before. Actually, while i write this, my darling hansel is on the floor in this room- as he got tired of his room and wanted to come out. Dr. J says it's alright for him to be out with us, as long as no one is pouncing on him- so i have him closed in here too. Not exactly his idea of freedom, but he looks happier in here with me than he did in the other room.

Legg Perthes is a genetic disease. basically, there is something wrong with the blood supply to the femoral head. thus many times, breaks off. It's most common in small dogs. And, extremely rare in cats. My luck at work again.


And hansel is only about 1yr and 8 months. I spoke to dr. p today, and she says she suggests taking the bone fragment out, and while he's under, fixing the other one too. She said this would get rid of any possible arthritis issues, plus stop this from happening in the other one, because the other leg is weak as well. She said she's fixed many of them- and they act like they never had a problem.


She is suggesting do it soon, and wants the specialist, dr.f (not a nice person, but the best orthopedic surgeon around) to look at the xrays. I went to dr. j, our most trusted and respected vet and asked him what he thought- he still believes we should wait 2-3 weeks to see what happens. Dr. j is a VERY conservative vet- and actually something i normally agree with incredibly. However, I don't want hansel to suffer bad arthritis, and pain- and have to do it in 2 months anyway, or heal up and have to do it in a few years, OR, have to be in pain when the other one blows out.

I'm trying my best to do what's right for the cat. And i've never not agreed with something dr. j has told us, and dr. p is always a bit more 'yeah lets do it' fixing things. She offered to do the surgery as well- which would save me tons of money. My husband wants to go ahead and do the surgery. But how do you tell the vet who came to your house special to see the patient, oh yeah gee well thanks, but we're not doing what you want? I think he thinks surgery is an ok option- but he just wants us to wait. But while we're waiting, every time hansel takes a step the bone is rubbing against bone.

I'm having a hard time deciding what to do. What would you do if it was your baby? I don't want him to suffer. I want him to be happy and normal again. The happiest cat you'll ever meet! And he's broken. :(

However, he has started walking a lot more, moves around his room, using the box easier, flinging litter EVERYWHERE, appetite is good, drinking well, and starting to play with toys again. I had to make him stay in his room this morning, he wanted out out out!

But i think i want the surgery, but i want to make sure, that before we do it, it's the right thing. i'm so scared i'll make a bad choice. If i go conservative, we might be RIGHT back at this point not to far in the future. Who knows.

I think i've decided, and i think it's the right choice.
my heart hurts for him. I can't stand seeing him in pain.