How much does dog TPLO surgery cost?
How much does dog TPLO surgery cost?
$2,500 – $6,000 average cost (surgery only)
$2,900 – $8,100 average total cost
Dog TPLO surgery cost
TPLO surgery for dogs costs $2,500 to $6,000 on average for the operation alone. The total cost is about $2,900 to $8,100, including the diagnosis, pre-surgery lab work, post-surgery care, and optional physical therapy afterwards. A bilateral or double operation costs more than a single knee procedure.
| Procedure | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Surgery cost (one knee) | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Initial visit to diagnose the injury (exam, sedation, x-rays) |
$250 – $600 |
| Pre-surgical lab work | $100 – $200 |
| Post-surgery care (medication, follow-up appointments) |
$50 – $300 |
| Physical therapy* | $0 – $1,000 |
| Total cost | $2,900 – $8,100 |
*Optional
What is TPLO surgery in dogs?
TPLO surgery, or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, is a surgery that helps heal a ruptured or torn ligament in dogs. The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is the canine equivalent to a human's ACL, which is a part of the knee that keeps the knee stable when walking or running.
A damaged CCL means the dog's tibia, or shinbone, moves forward too far and rotates in a painful way when walking. TPLO is the safest and most effective way to reverse CCL injuries.
Canine TPLO surgery cost factors
The following factors will influence the cost of TPLO surgery for your dog:
Location: Prices for vet services are usually higher in areas with a higher cost of living. Newer veterinary offices may charge more as well.
Surgeon: A general practitioner in a vet clinic may not charge as much for the surgery as a board-certified veterinary surgeon.
Dog's weight: If you have a larger dog, they will require more anesthesia and a higher dosage of medication than smaller breeds.
Damage: The degree of damage to the ligament also affects the complexity and cost of the surgery.
Other health conditions: If your dog as any pre-existing conditions, it may affect the procedure or the type or amount of anesthesia.
TPLO surgery vs. other techniques
There are three common techniques veterinary surgeons use to repair a torn ACL or CCL in dogs. Which specific surgery they recommend for your dog will depend on the specifics of your individual case.
| Surgery technique | Average cost (for surgery only) |
|---|---|
| TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) |
$2,500 – $6,000 |
| Lateral suture / ELSS (extracapsular repair) |
$1,000 – $2,500 |
| TTA (tibial tuberosity advancement) |
$2,500 – $6,000 |
TPLO and TTA techniques are more advanced and cost more than the lateral suture technique. However, lateral suture or ELSS is typically not suitable for dogs who weigh over 35 lbs.
Unfortunately, nothing can repair the ACL once it's torn. Surgery simply helps stabilize the knee joint and relieve pain.
Over 85% of dogs who have CCL (ACL) surgery return to normal activity within a couple of months after the surgery.
Risk factors for TPLO surgery
Dogs can hurt or tear their CCL by running or jumping when playing. However, some dogs' CCLs simply weaken as they get older and may tear without a specific injury. Any dog can tear its CCL, but their weight and breed can affect the risk:
Weight: Being overweight is the biggest risk factor for CCL injuries. More weight puts added pressure on their knee joint. Overweight or out-of-shape dogs often hurt their CCLs when they suddenly exercise or play after a long period of inactivity.
Breed: Certain breeds have a higher risk of CCL injuries, including:
Bichon Frise
Cane Corso
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Newfoundland
Rottweiler
Staffordshire Terrier
St. Bernard
What to expect after TPLO surgery
Recovery after TPLO surgery takes about 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your dog's age, weight, and any pre-existing conditions like arthritis. Your vet will give you instructions that involve the following basic steps:
Rest: Most dogs will need about a week of strict rest after TPLO surgery. After this period, you can gradually increase activity over the next 4 to 6 weeks.
Pain medicine: Most vets will prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) like carprofen (Rimadyl) before and after surgery. They may also use other pain medications like gabapentin.
Follow-up appointments: The veterinarian will recommend recheck appointments and may take post-surgery X-rays to make sure your dog is healing correctly. Dog X-rays cost $150 to $400.
Physical therapy: If you choose, you can opt for post-surgery physical therapy with a canine rehab therapist. This is optional but can significantly increase the chance of a favorable outcome for your dog. The therapy usually includes range-of-motion exercises, massage, laser therapy, or walking on an underwater treadmill.
Dog TPLO surgery FAQs
How long does TPLO surgery take?
TPLO surgery typically takes 45 to 90 minutes, with up to 2 hours under anesthesia total. The surgery may take slightly more or less time depending on the surgeon's experience and the extent of the damage to the dog's CCL.
Is TPLO surgery worth it?
TPLO surgery is worth it for dogs with CCL injuries because it has an average success rate of 90% to 95%. Dogs who have TPLO surgery tend to recover quickly, and some can even put weight back on the injured leg after 3 to 7 days.
Vets consider TPLO the safest and most effective treatment method for CCL injuries, and it's suitable for both large and small dog breeds.
Does my dog need TPLO surgery?
Your dog may have an injured CCL if they're limping on one of their hind legs and don't have a surface-level injury. Your dog may limp or cry out suddenly, or the symptoms could slowly build over time. Other signs of a CCL injury include:
Swollen knees
Losing interest in food
Not wanting to walk or play
Moving the injured leg to the side when sitting
A clicking sound in their back leg when walking
Hovering the affected leg when standing instead of leaning on it
Does pet insurance cover TPLO surgery?
Pet insurance coverage varies by plan, but many policies cover TPLO surgery because CCL injuries are common in dogs. However, you must have pet insurance before the injury or the insurance will consider it a pre-existing condition and will not cover it.
Pet insurance costs $35 to $75 per month, depending on the coverage and your dog's age and breed.
Questions to ask your veterinarian
Ask your vet these important questions to make sure you understand the TPLO procedure and what the recovery process will be like:
Is TPLO the best option for my dog?
How will TPLO surgery help my dog?
Is there another surgery method that would be better?
How long does the surgery take?
Does this price include all lab work and x-rays or just the surgery itself?
Can you tell me what caused this injury or how I could've prevented it?
What is the recovery process like post-surgery?
What pain medicines do you usually prescribe?
Should I have my dog do physical therapy afterwards?
What are the chances my dog could tear the other CCL?
Should my dog take any supplements to prevent further injuries?
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