Quote:
Originally Posted by MyFairLacy  ... The best thing is to keep them at a healthy weight so they don't put unnessary strain on their knees. I wouldn't have the surgery done if they aren't limping or in pain from it...but there is always the risk they'll have arthritis as they age... |
While this is true, according to our specialist (see below), it's not the whole story. There is a little more to consider....
He told us that, if you're lucky, grade 2 LP will not progress to grade 3 LP, but often does. It's usually progressive due to the nature of the problem.
Even if it doesn't get any worse then a grade 3 LP, over time it will degrade both the bones and the tendon. Of course, this causes an all new array of problems. For this reason, depending on several factors, including age, surgery is often recommended for grade 3 LP cases and sometimes for grade 2.
Again, depending on several factors, including the strength of the muscles and tendons, limping is a
possible symptom on grades 2 and 3. Even with a grade 4, limping is not necessarily present.
Severity of the condition seems to be related to the age of onset; the early cases result in more severe disability and deformity.
LP grades can be diagnosed with a physical examination by a knowledgeable veterinarian. It is confirmed by pre-surgery xrays.
Quote:
| DR. BRIAN S. BEALE received his D.V.M. from The University of Florida in 1985. He completed an internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., and a surgical residency at The University of Florida. He became Board Certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1991. Dr. Beale was an assistant professor of surgery at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine prior to joining Gulf Coast Veterinary Surgery in 1992. Dr. Beale is an adjunct assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. |
For more information about his clinic and practice, see
Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists