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.
For more information about his clinic and practice, see
Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists