[Ellie May]

LCP isn't life or death. It is very serious though. If it's present and no surgery is done, things have to be monitored regularly. If not, there is a high risk of the femur cracking, major arthritic issues setting in, etc.

When it's being monitored in puppies (because sometimes crate rest can reverse the issue if they are young enough), xrays are done monthly.

Any signs of pain would indicate a need for surgery. In fact, UPenn would say that physical presentation is considered secondarily anyway. Xrays are very important with this disease. If an ortho surgeon has said to do it, then there is no reason not to.