[katy-yorkie]

Buster is 3 years old, weighs about 5 pounds and has had LP in both legs since I got him as a puppy in February 2008. The vet says he is a Grade 4 but does not recommend surgery until his quality of life is affected. I give him Cosequin daily. He goes down the stairs on three legs, carrying the back left leg. I take him for a walk almost every evening, he could walk forever, but I don't let him walk as far as he thinks he can. He doesn't carry the leg much at all when he's walking. He loves to swim, but here lately, he has been getting out on his own and looking at me, letting me know he is done. I've heard swimming is good for LP and I don't let him swim more than 30-45 minutes at a time. It's usually after he's been in about 30 minutes that he gives me the "look". How will I know when his quality of life is affected? I don't want him to be in pain all of the time. Is the Cosequin enough? Is there something else I can give him that's better?

The three legged hop down the stairs almost brings me to tears.