I have a 7 year old male who had bilateral FCP, arthroscopy at 14 months, bilateral.. Dr. Kurt Shulz, our surgeon said, let him be a dog, and I have, and he competes in Rally, agility, obedience, hunt tests and is very very sound, no sign of arthritis yet.. he will continue to be a dog, without worry...
Well, the orthopedic surgeon says there is cartilage regrowth. It is a very slow process and the new growth is fragile, which is why they must be kept quiet for so long.