I spent 6k last year on my dog's knees. My dog is now 7 years old. UGA is a great hospital, brand new facility. I live 1 mile away, and many of the students/staff live in my neighborhood. There are a ton of great, very caring people who work to make sure your animal has the best care.
That being said, my analysis of the situation says that you need to do what is right for Dexter first. The quality of life he has for for the next 5 years, even with optimal results from the surgery is something you need to consider. I'd talk with a surgeon about what the best case scenario looks like, and decide if that path looks navigable.
UGA : About Us | Neurology and Neurosurgery
Reported IVDD surgical costs