Phred, don't be harsh on yourself. All this time, Smoke has been "smokin'!" as he motored around. You can't do something when you don't know there is an issue. Prayers are a given from RI for Smoke, and for you as well, to get through this scary time.

First, I wonder if a second opinion, or a specialist, may have a different take of this situation?

Second, I don't like this "beyond surgical repair" one bit. But the second option is wa-ay too scary and that needs to be ruled out, it seems to me. Who is gonna do that, this vet or is he referring to a specialist? What tests will do that for the Smoke man?

How old is Smokey, anyhow? There was something called the "senior dog project," which recommends NOT using Rimadyl for dogs over 7 years of age. I only know this from the rescue group I am with. We foster parents don't get reimbursed if the vet gives Rimadyl. There are 2 other pain relievers which do not pose issues, and that is what we must always get for the foster dogs. I just automatically do that for all my pets, now. This may be something to think about, if Smoke has to keep on the pain meds for any length of time (pending tests, surgery and recovery etc.) It is easy to switch off to one of the other pain meds.