I had the same experience with my vet. Seamus was losing his hind end. My vet told me I should consider it soon. But even when he could not walk for three weeks he was bright and happy. I would not give up since he would not. I ended up taking him to a veterinary acupuncturist. We went twice a week for a month. He got laser, PEMT, and electro acupuncture. It cost and arm and a leg. But, he got another 4 months moving on his own until an infection took him from me last week at 15 and 4 months.
Trust your gut. Vets often just don’t get it