thanks for the support everyone - the surgeon's quote was at the lower end of the other vets guesstimate earlier in the week. All up I'm out of pocket about $7k including the first vet for xrays and diagnosis.. fun fact, there is a good chance the other knee will go at some point in the future as well... it sounds like the recovery won't be fun but she is expected to make full recovery and be able to do all the doggy things in a few months.
she went under the knife today, all reports from the vet are good so far.
there doesn't seem to be much of a 'let it heal' option as this leads to severe osteo arthritis.
Mr G6ET - my golden retriever was $1200. If the question on price was aimed at replace instead of fix the current one, that wasn't an option.. she is about middle age and i couldn't put her down for a sore leg... i'm middle age with sore back/hip/knees but i don't need to be put down yet
