try and avoid having it taken off , if possible , theres some stuff from the health shops , called chondroiterin, glucoseamine, and m.s.n , get some of this into the dog , just mix it in too food , get capsuals if possible , and plenty of rest , i had the same sort of thing, i rested mine for 8 weeks , then only walked it on the lead , on grass for 5 weeks , then small runs on his own , for a few weeks so that he wasnt getting pushed by another dog , i,d go to the vets first to see what they say , but i,d try that stuff it really does work, i aint saying its a miracle cure , but i know it does