Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in canine legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

Radiographic examination and subsequent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans of the hips were performed in seven dogs with monolateral Legg-Perthes-Calvé disease to quantify bone changes produced by osteonecrosis in the proximal femur on the affected and unaffected side. All dogs were found to be affected with grade 2 and 3 of the radiographic classification proposed by Ljunggren. Bone mineral density (g/cm(2)) of the femoral neck and proximal femoral metaphysis were evaluated on the affected and unaffected side; we detected no differences in bone mineral density for both regions of interest within the population studied in relation to gender, body weight and side analysed nor between the affected and the unaffected limb. We therefore assume that radiographic areas of decreased density in the proximal femoral epiphysis during chronic stages of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease do not alter the global mineral content of the scanned region.