[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by lisaly

I'm really sorry, Karen. My first Yorkie had terrible problems with her knees, so when we got our other three we were probably a bit too overprotective with them regarding limiting jumping. However, we didn't restrict other activity, and I think all of the swimming and walking really built up their muscles and knees a lot. Ashley at almost seventeen was still walking two or more miles a day, and although she had some arthritis and her knees would sometimes slip, they were still very strong. I think Cooper's exercise (minus the jumping except into his pool) is probably good for him, and the Cosequin also sounds like a great idea.

Thank you Lisa. I'll continue making sure Cooper gets good exercise.

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

Uni has Grade 2 in both legs, but only once did I catch her lifting her leg, which was after a day running in the sand at the . She wouldn't walk after that for a day, that's how I found out. I started her on Cosequin then and had her on it for years, but I stopped giving them, as I didn't feel her knees popping in and out any less. So for about a year now of her not being on them, she still hasn't lifted or favored a leg.

Scraps on the other hand, I will start him on them and see if there is any improvement. He walks with a noticable limp and favors his right leg, even when he goes to lay down you can tell his left knee bothers him.

I'm really glad that Uni is doing well. I guess I'll try Cosequin and have no idea if it works since I've never seen a symptom. Sorry about Scraps

Originally Posted by abbie's mom

Hi Karen Your thread caught my eye, as we have recently had similar news Only Abi is a stage III. Firstly, I want to say I think you're fortunate to have a wise vet. What kind of diet "change" did she recommend, and why do you decline? Is Cooper overweight? If so, I'm sure she told you that any extra weight will be detrimental in this case. I will say that Abi was a hefty 10lbs when she was most symptomatic. We cut back her portions, and she is now between 7.5 and 8lbs; which I will also state I'm NOT entirely happy about. I can feel every rib and vertebrae. I know she shouldn't be 10lbs for her knees; but, honestly, she looked much better. She is rather long for a yorkie, at 11" from neck base to tail base.

I, too, am blessed with a wise vet who sent us to an even wiser surgeon for consult. We went in expecting a surgery date for sure; and was pleasantly surprised when she said "no, not yet". The surgeon said she has patients with stage III & IV on whom she has not done surgery, because they are not symptomatic enough to interfere with thier quality of life. Also adding that she's had some stage Ones where she found surgery necessary because the dog was in pain every day. She treats the dog/case; not the book case LP.

We watch Abi to be sure her knees are not locking. We do not restrict her play activities. I, too, was worried about even walking her! She's only had one incident in the past few months (since seeing the surgeon) where one knee locked, and she hobbled to me for help . I was able to massage the muscle around it and relax the knee back into place. If this continues regularly, we will, most likely, be looking at surgery.

Then, there's the friend whose dog had LP so badly he chased the mailman on three legs. But...he did not seem to be in pain, and his vet told my friend to NEVER let anyone perform this surgery on her pets. It ofttimes does not work.

So, I guess we are still left with our gut instincts. Best wishes to Cooper, and I wouldn't worry unless this begins to impede his ADLs (activities of daily living)

Cooper is a lean 10 pounds. The vet suggested a Science Diet joint formula. I am a big fan of Science Diet, however after speaking with the vet I learned that several of the ingredients in the specialized dog food are the same as Cosequin. She was concerned that Cosequin is expensive and thought it would be more affordable to just change the food. She's right, however I'm really happy with Cooper's diet habits as he's had lots of tummy problems in the past and doesn't any longer.

Sorry you've had similar news with Abi. It sounds like you have a really good head about the whole thing.