[Nikki+2]

Thanks for the responses. Trust me, I am very annoyed with my vet right now and also myself for not finding out on my own. Not feeling like a very good mommy right now I'm usually a research fanatic, I can't believe I let this slide.

I haven't gotten a second opinion because I just found out about the grade 3 and up until then I was under the impression it was a grade 1. During the same visit he was concerned about a potential, complicated dental surgery for Sugar which was dealt with today (no surgery this time- yay). He's always been very clear with me that Gracie had grade 2 but always just called Sugar's "mild". I tried to get him to clear that up on the phone today but he just kept reiterating that up until this last visit, Sugar's records showed grade 2. Fine, but why was he calling it mild but calling Gracie's what it was- grade 2? When I talked to him today it was to let me know how Sugar did with his dental and we just briefly discussed the LP. I read about the cosequin after that and have left a message for him to call me again.

I would definitely get a second opinion before going through with surgery but it probably is a good idea to get one to help me make my decision. Normally I trust my vet completely- he is really well known as being an excellent vet in our area and I've always felt nothing but complete confidence in him, but my faith is a bit shaken given that he didn't suggest cosequin and the confusion over the LP. He did give me a thorough explanation of the different grades and showed me diagrams to illustrate his explanation so I feel fairly confident that he is correct with his diagnosis.