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Why is my 6-month puppy struggling to walk? Could it be Legg-Perthes?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Silky Terrier | Female | unspayed | 6 months and 19 days old | 4 lbs

My dog is 6 months old and has begun to occasionally have a hard time walking and she raises her back. Her rear legs are stiff and she falls over. This has just began can this be Legg-Perthes disease?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on February 6th, 2018

Poor Bella! I'm so sorry that she is having this problem. We most commonly see Legg-Perthes disease only affecting one hip, but it certainly is possible that she has both hips affected. There isn't any way to diagnose Legg-Perthes disease except x-rays. I would recommend having your veterinarian examine her to determine if her pain is coming from her hip or another location. If it appears to be her hips, they can then take x-rays to determine what is going on. I am attaching a link to a handout on Legg-Perthes disease below for you. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2529 Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Bella feels better soon. Thanks for using PetCoach.

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