It occurs primarily in small dogs, and has been reported in many small and toy breeds, including Italian greyhounds. Affected dogs are normal prior to the onset of the disease. Symptoms of LPD are lameness, and pain in the area of the affected hip. In some cases, the symptoms may be mild, and possibly go unnoticed. Upon examination, pain can be elicited by a skilled examiner by moving the hip in a variety of directions.
Definitive diagnosis is made by X-rays.
As changes to bone occur slowly, X-rays taken early in the course of the disease may appear normal. Repeating the X-rays in 3 to 4 weeks will reveal the bony changes. Because the bone loses its blood supply, it dies. As a result of the loss of bone tissue, the neck of the femur collapses. The neck attaches the head of the femur to the body of the femur.