[Gracie2006]

I don't think an exam makes LP worse. Grade I is an incidental finding. Holly has Grade I on both legs. Grade II means the patella luxates but goes back in on its own. Grade III means the patella is luxated permanently but can be put back manually. Grade IV means the patella is luxated permanently but can't be put back manually.

My Gracie is somewere between a II and a III on both legs, with the right closer to a III. (Symptoms did not show up until she was almost 1 year old.) Every time it luxates, it causes them pain even if they don't show it. Each time it luxates, the ligaments holding the knee joing together stretch, which can cause the joint to become lax, cause degeneration of the joint, and bowing of the legs. I'm sorry if I sound like an expert but Gracie is in surgery now for both LPs. The surgeon explained things well to me. IMO, a grade II needs to be watched and a second opinion obtained prior to going through surgery. Anything more than a Grade II should be repaired while they are young.