Well, here's the latest update.
Went to the Animal Hospital near Wholesale Sports and had more tests done and met with and internal specialist. They wanted to do blood platelets, chemistry, and do an ultrasound and Xray. We proceeded with blood and chemistry, and said no to the xray and ultrasound unless the chemistry came back funny. We want the best care for our Lab, but I have to be conscious of what we're spending before I have to remortgage the house!
The blood test was a duplicate of the first one, and it turned out that his platelets were ok, they were just clumping on the first test at the surgeons, which made it appear that his count was low. Chemistry came back good. In other words, turns out he's healthy except for his joint issue.
Tomorrow should have the Pathologist confirm the results of the second round of tests and Duke's booked in back at the okotoks hospital for Xrays and potential TPLO surgery next Tuesday.
A lot of stress, worry, and $1300.00+ in tests and consultations, and we're no further ahead to address the original leg issue.
The internal specialist and surgeon seem very knowledgeable and we feel like we can trust them, and they've been very open and gave lots of options, but I'm going to make some calls and respond to some PM's before next Tuesday's visit.
I've been googling like crazy and there are all sorts of things on the net, so taking everything with a grain of salt.
Starting to make me wish that I bought Pet insurance! Although, I'm sure they'd find some reason to decline coverage.