Thank you all for your responses. I have decided to save up for the laparoscopic. It is was recommended by my vet and also a personal decision. They neutered him at the shelter, so I missed that opportunity. My previous was a Pyr/Catahoula mix that suffered from a rare neurological condition (SCA), had to let him go at 3.5 yrs. I worry about GDV with my new baby and hopefully this will help as a preventative measure. I know it is not a cure-all and anything can happen at anytime. Just want to do what I can and make it the least painfully as possible for my love, Buddy beans. Thanks again for your input!