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I'm feeling better about Lou(p) again. After consulting with my regular clinic and a friend of MAs, it isn't uncommon that dogs do this at the vet's. Here is an email response to my concerns from the practice manager:

Yes, things like that happen here. Consider Mr. Lou's point of view - strange environment, I'm sure the police encounter was not pleasant for him & he relates the uniform to a bad experience - now he is in a vet clinic full of uniforms??? He is scared, he is allowed to be. Animals have a fight or flee choice, he decided to fight - he already bit a police officer, so it doesn't surprise me that he decided to fight again.

I can't predict the future - yes, he may get more and more brave and then think he can control the world like Ben, but then again, he may be very happy with the world and content to continue life as he knows it - fight when I have to and love every other minute.

I'm sure you have gained the skill of interpreting body language and behaviours from Ben, you will likely identify them so early that ANY possible issue will be addressed before it gets out of hand and Mr. Lou will continue to be cuddly with you.

Lou also started barking yesterday on his walk at everyone. I called Lynn on this and she suggested that he has been overwhelmed by all that's been happening. It's time to lie low. Keep him in the house for 4-5 days, only taking him the yard for his business. Then start walking him up and down the street. If he is going to react to something, put distance between us and them. Then start going around the corner for a few days etc. All to let him get used to his surroundings and the different noises and people. It makes perfect common sense.

Poor guy. He's pretty uncomfortable after his surgery. Licking, walk, sit, down, lick, up, walk, down, sit. Just a few more days, Mr. Cuteypants.