Hi Jeanie,
First, I am so sorry that Buster is going thru this. Second, I have to apologize as I was supposed to mail you something and I completely forgot...it will be on its way.
In Hot Rod's case, he was not wanting to walk on our walks that he so enjoyed. He sit down and not budge at all. I agree about the "look" as Hot Rod would look at me like, "I don't really want walk any further mom but I don't want to go home either." But in our case, he was actually swinging his leg outward as his ligament was on the side. You could see that he was walking lopsided.
I would agree with the others to get a second opinion or if you are confident with your surgeon then go with what your head tells you. I know your heart says wait. The other way to to look at it is that if he should really need the surgery, the quicker he gets it, the quicker he will begin to mend. Best of luck with second opinion and your decision.
Hugs,
Bo