Ladyjane definitely knows what she's talking about. My Toby has Grade 3/4 LP in his left rear leg and instead of making this a lengthy post, long story short...........he weighed 11.1 lbs. when he was diagnosed with it and surgery was a consideration only if nothing else worked............ortho put him on anti-inflammatory and glucosamine & chondroitin and a strict feeding schedule (no free feeding). Eight weeks later he is down to 10.0 lbs. and no longer taking the anti-inflammatory and back to his happy go lucky self. My husband built some doggy stairs for the bed which he now uses and he runs and plays and we are careful not to let him play too hard or rough. He still has a couple pounds to lose but just getting the weight off made a world of difference. If down the road surgery would ever be needed, I would get it for him in a heartbeat. No doubt about it. I too thought I was facing surgery but following the suggestions from Ladyjane, Megansmomma, 107barney, the vet and the ortho surgeon, we don't see surgery in our future. I'm determined to give Toby the quality of life he deserves and he loves to run around the yard and play with his big sister, Speedy. |