Destruction of the Ball
of the Femur (Aseptic
Necrosis)
Aseptic Necrosis of the head (‘ball’) of the femur (that part of the thigh bone which fits into the ‘socket’ of the hip bone) is due to impaired blood supply to that ‘ball’. It leads to gradual destruction of the hip joint. Primarily, it occurs in young ‘toy’ dogs between four and ten months of age. Since there is so much inbreeding (incest) of these cute fluffy puppies, now being called ‘Pom-Peks’ (an absolute misnomer which deceives purchasers), Hip Joint Dysplasia and other musculoskeletal problems are increasing in incidence. Really there is need for the GSPCA and the police to investigate these ‘Puppy Farms’. In other breeds, it can be a sequel to sudden hip dislocation (auto accident).
Symptoms
The signs are severe lameness and refusal to bear weight on the leg. Muscle wasting is pronounced. There is a