How much does dog ACL surgery cost?
How much does dog ACL surgery cost?
$1,000 – $6,000 average cost for surgery alone
$1,420 – $8,100 average total cost
Dog ACL surgery cost
Dog ACL surgery costs $1,000 to $6,000 on average for the procedure alone. Together with the cost of diagnosis, pre-surgical lab work, post-surgery care, and optional post-surgery physical therapy, the total cost ranges from $1,420 to $8,100. In dogs, the ACL is called the cranial cruciate ligament or CCL.
| Procedure | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Surgery cost (one knee) | $1,000 – $6,000 |
| Initial visit to diagnose the injury (exam, sedation, x-rays) |
$270 – $600 |
| Pre-surgical lab work | $100 – $200 |
| Post-surgery care (medications & recheck appointments) |
$50 – $300 |
| Post-surgery physical therapy* | $0 – $1,000 |
| Total cost | $1,420 – $8,100 |
*Optional
Surgery repairs the injured knee after your dog tears an ACL ligament. ACL tears in dogs cause pain and limping in their affected leg and can cause significant arthritis in their leg as they age if left untreated.
What is a dog ACL or CCL?
The ACL is a ligament in the knee that helps stabilize the knee joint when running or walking. When the ACL tears, the tibia (shinbone) moves too far forward in relation to the femur (thighbone) and rotates in painful ways, making walking difficult and painful.
In dogs, the ACL ligament is known as the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL or CrCL). Dogs have two CCLs—one in each knee in their back legs. Many people use the terms ACL and CCL interchangeably to refer to a dog's knee ligament.
Dog ACL / CCL surgery techniques
Veterinary surgeons use three common surgical techniques used to repair the ACL/CCL in dogs. The specific surgery recommended for your dog will depend on their individual case.
| ACL / CCL surgery technique | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Lateral suture / ELSS (extracapsular repair) |
$1,000 – $2,500 |
| TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) |
$2,500 – $6,000 |
| TTA (tibial tuberosity advancement) |
$2,500 – $6,000 |
The TPLO and TTA surgery techniques are more advanced and expensive than the lateral suture technique. However, the lateral suture technique may not be suitable for all dogs and is generally only recommended for dogs under 35 lbs.
Some general practice veterinarians perform dog ACL surgeries. More commonly, your regular veterinarian will refer you to a board-certified veterinary surgeon for your dog’s surgery.
Unfortunately, nothing can fix the ACL itself. Once it is torn, it will remain so for the rest of your dog’s life. However, surgery significantly helps stabilize the knee joint to relieve pain and limit the progression of arthritis.
Dog ACL surgery has a high success rate, with more than 85% of dogs returning to regular activity within a couple of months post-surgery.
Symptoms of dog ACL injury
The most common symptom of ACL injury in dogs is limping on one of their rear legs. The limp usually starts immediately and may occur when playing or running around. Occasionally, dogs may suddenly cry out in pain when they hurt their knee, but this is not always true.
The limp can range in severity, from your dog not wanting to put any weight on the affected leg to a less noticeable, mild, or intermittent limp.
In addition to limping, other signs of ACL injury in dogs include:
Swollen knee
Reluctance to walk or play
Lifting the affected leg when standing
Putting the affected leg to the side when sitting
Clicking sound in the back leg when walking
Most dogs do not whine or cry when they are in pain. Instead, they may subtly show pain by limping, eating less, or acting less excited about everyday activities like going for walks or playing.
How are ACL injuries diagnosed?
ACL injuries are the most common cause of rear leg limping in dogs of all breeds and sizes. If you notice your dog limping on one of their back legs, take them to a veterinarian for a complete physical exam.
After an initial examination, if your veterinarian suspects a possible ACL injury, they will likely recommend:
Sedating your dog to perform an orthopedic exam
X-rays of the affected leg to help rule out other causes of limping, such as arthritis or fracture
These diagnostics are usually sufficient to diagnose an ACL injury in dogs.
How do dogs hurt their ACL?
Dogs can tear their ACL from an acute injury, like running or jumping when playing. However, some dogs’ ACLs will weaken over time and eventually tear without any significant injury. Any dog can tear its ACL, but certain factors can increase their risk.
Weight
Being overweight is the most significant risk factor for ACL injuries in dogs. Extra weight puts increased stress on the knee joint, making it more prone to sudden injury or degrading over time. Overweight, out-of-shape dogs commonly hurt their ACLs when they suddenly do strenuous exercise they are not used to.
Breed
Certain breeds have a higher risk of injuring their ACL, including:
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
Rottweiler
Staffordshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Newfoundland
Cane Corso
St. Bernard
Bichon Frise
50% of dogs who hurt the ACL in one knee will also hurt the ACL in their other knee at some point in their lifetime.
Dog ACL surgery FAQs
Can a dog heal from a torn ACL without surgery?
In some instances, surgery may not be possible for your dog. If surgery is not performed for an ACL injury, you can expect your dog to develop severe arthritis in the affected knee. Arthritis can lead to significant mobility problems and pain, especially as your dog ages.
What are the risks of ACL surgery in dogs?
Possible complications depend on the type of surgery your dog has. In general, the most common complications include implant or incision infection, implant failure, tibia (shinbone) fracture, and continued limping and pain in the affected leg due to the development of arthritis.
The risk of complications significantly increases if your dog’s activity is not adequately restricted after surgery.
Does pet insurance cover dog ACL surgery?
Every pet insurance policy covers different illnesses. ACL injuries are widespread in dogs, and it should be clear when reading your policy whether your pet insurance will cover surgery. Generally, you must purchase pet insurance before your dog’s ACL injury, or the insurance will consider an ACL tear a pre-existing condition and not cover surgery.
ACL injuries are one of the best reasons to purchase pet insurance for your dog when they are young. Pet insurance costs $35 to $75 per month, depending on the plan type and your dog's age and breed.
Can I prevent my dog from injuring their ACL?
In some cases, you cannot prevent your dog from injuring their ACL. The most important things you can do at home to avoid injury are:
Keep your dog at an appropriate weight.
Regularly exercise your dog to keep them in good physical condition.
Recent evidence has also shown that delaying spaying or neutering your dog until they are older may decrease the incidence of ACL injury. Ask your veterinarian about the ideal time to spay or neuter your pet.
What is the post-op care and recovery after dog ACL surgery?
Recovery after dog ACL surgery takes about 6 to 8 weeks. The time it takes to return to regular activity depends on the surgical technique used, your dog’s age and body weight, and any other conditions your dog may already have, such as arthritis.
Rest: Most dogs require at least two weeks of strict rest and exercise restriction after ACL surgery. After this period, activity may be gradually increased over 4 to 6 weeks.
Pain medication: Most veterinarians recommend a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), such as carprofen (Rimadyl), before and after surgery. Other pain medications, such as gabapentin, may also be used.
Recheck appointments: Your veterinarian will likely recommend recheck appointments at different intervals after surgery. In some instances, post-surgery X-rays are also taken to ensure the bone is healing correctly. Dog X-rays cost $150 to $400.
Physical therapy: Post-surgery physical therapy with a licensed canine rehabilitation therapist is optional. However, it significantly increases the chance of an excellent surgical outcome for dogs with ACL injuries. Physical therapy may include passive range-of-motion exercises, laser therapy, massage, or even underwater treadmill sessions.
Questions to ask your veterinarian
Ask your veterinarian these important questions to ensure you understand the ACL surgery procedure and recovery process:
Is ACL surgery suitable for my dog?
How will ACL surgery help my dog?
Which ACL surgery is best for my dog?
Is my dog’s weight putting them at increased risk for an ACL injury?
What is the recovery process after my dog's ACL surgery?
Should my dog do physical therapy after their ACL surgery?
Should my dog take joint supplements?
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