Great thread, Denise, and I think everyone will be interested in learning more about LP. Libby has grade 2 LP and I am giving her Flexicose which is a liquid glucosamine complex, in hopes of keeping it from getting worse and relieving any pain. Here is the site:
http://www.flexicose.com/ I just noticed, while doing a search, that I can get it cheaper on Ebay, so I'll buy it there next time. I also take Flexicose and notice a huge relief in my joints and also give it to Maddie. She doesn't have a problem, but I want to keep it that way. My vet also told me to keep Libby skinny, and then she'll have a much better chance of it not getting worse.
When Libby was first diagnosed, she had done it while jumping off a chair. She had problems for the next week or so...when she'd run, she'd let out a yelp from pain and she'd hold up her leg quite often and limp when walking on all four. She's been good since then except for once, and I notice that the cold bothers her and she begins limping. We keep an area of the grass shoveled for them to potty in, but Libby...she just HAS to walk through the deep snow to do her thing. LOL
Libby gets lots of exercise in the house, and in the sping/summer/fall, I try to walk her each day. I could be wrong, but I think it's good to walk them and strengthen the muscle and ligaments around the knee. At least that's what I was told when I had a knee injury...so I figure that would hold true for dogs too. I don't walk her if she's hurting, but as long as she's showing no signs of distress, I'll keep exercising her.
I also feel so bad for everyone having to deal with LP in their babies. I feel fortunate that Libby's is only a 2 and I'm hoping and praying to keep it that way. Hugs to all of you who are having to deal with LP surgery.