How much does ACL surgery cost for a dog?

ACL (CCL) surgery for dogs costs $3,500-$7,000 per knee. TPLO is the gold standard at $4,000-$6,000, while lateral suture repair for small dogs costs $1,200-$2,500. Including diagnostics and rehab, total costs can reach $5,000-$9,000 per knee.

Is hip replacement surgery worth it for dogs?

Total hip replacement ($3,500-$7,000 per hip) has excellent outcomes with most dogs returning to normal activity. It is most worthwhile for young to middle-aged large breed dogs with severe hip dysplasia. FHO ($1,500-$3,000) is a less expensive alternative for smaller dogs.

How long does it take a dog to recover from orthopedic surgery?

Recovery times vary: ACL/CCL repair takes 12-16 weeks, fracture repair takes 6-12 weeks, hip replacement takes 8-12 weeks, and IVDD surgery takes 8-16 weeks. Full rehabilitation with physical therapy produces the best outcomes.

Does pet insurance cover orthopedic surgery?

Most pet insurance plans cover orthopedic surgery for accidents and non-pre-existing conditions. However, many plans have waiting periods of 6-12 months for orthopedic conditions specifically to prevent people from insuring dogs with existing limps. Enroll early before any signs develop.

Orthopedic Surgery Costs for Dogs: ACL, Hip, and Fracture Repair

Orthopedic injuries are among the most common and expensive surgical problems in dogs. From torn ligaments to fractured bones, these conditions cause significant pain and require skilled surgical repair for the best outcomes. The average orthopedic surgery costs $2,000-$7,000, but some procedures exceed $10,000. This guide covers the most common canine orthopedic surgeries, their costs, and what to expect during recovery.

ACL/CCL Tear Repair: $3,500-$7,000 Per Knee

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears are the most common orthopedic injury in dogs, affecting an estimated 1 million dogs per year in the US. Three surgical options exist: TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy): The gold standard, costing $4,000-$6,000 per knee. A board-certified surgeon cuts and rotates the tibia to eliminate the need for the ligament. Recovery takes 12-16 weeks. TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement): Similar outcomes to TPLO, costing $3,500-$5,500. Lateral suture (extracapsular repair): The least expensive option at $1,200-$2,500, best for dogs under 30 lbs. A fishing-line type suture stabilizes the joint externally.

Pre-surgical diagnostics include X-rays ($200-$400) and sometimes MRI ($1,500-$3,000) to evaluate meniscal damage. Post-surgical costs include pain medications ($50-$100), follow-up X-rays ($150-$300), and physical rehabilitation ($50-$100 per session, typically 8-12 sessions). Critical warning: 40-60% of dogs that tear one CCL will tear the other within 1-2 years. Total cost for bilateral tears: $7,000-$14,000.

Hip Dysplasia Surgery: $1,500-$7,000 Per Hip

Hip dysplasia affects up to 50% of large and giant breed dogs. Surgical options depend on age, severity, and budget. Total hip replacement (THR): $3,500-$7,000 per hip. The definitive treatment, replacing the diseased joint with an artificial one. Performed only by board-certified surgeons at specialty hospitals. Results are excellent — most dogs return to normal activity. FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy): $1,500-$3,000 per hip. Removes the femoral head, allowing scar tissue to form a false joint. Better suited for dogs under 50 lbs. Results are good but not as predictable as THR. Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS): $500-$1,200. A preventive procedure for puppies under 16 weeks diagnosed with hip laxity. Must be done early to be effective.

Fracture Repair: $1,500-$5,000+

Broken bones are common in dogs hit by cars, falling from heights, or roughhousing. Treatment depends on fracture type and location. Simple fractures treated with splints or casts cost $500-$1,500. Surgical repair with plates and screws costs $2,000-$5,000 depending on the bone and complexity. External fixators (metal frames outside the leg) cost $1,500-$3,500. Comminuted fractures (multiple fragments) are the most expensive at $3,000-$6,000. Jaw fractures require specialized oral surgery at $1,500-$3,000. Spinal fractures may need stabilization at $3,000-$8,000.

Diagnostic imaging is essential: X-rays cost $200-$400 and CT scans cost $1,000-$2,500 for complex fractures. Post-surgical care includes activity restriction for 6-12 weeks, follow-up X-rays ($150-$300), and potential physical rehabilitation.

Luxating Patella Surgery: $1,500-$3,500 Per Knee

Luxating patella (slipping kneecap) affects 7% of puppies, predominantly small breeds like Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, and Chihuahuas. Grade 1-2 luxations may be managed conservatively, but grades 3-4 require surgery. The procedure deepens the groove where the kneecap sits and realigns the patellar ligament. Cost: $1,500-$3,500 per knee at a general practice, $2,500-$4,500 at a specialty hospital. Recovery takes 8-12 weeks. Bilateral surgery (both knees) is common and may be done simultaneously or staged 6-8 weeks apart.

IVDD (Disc Disease) Surgery: $3,000-$8,000

Intervertebral disc disease is especially common in Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Corgis, and Beagles. When a disc herniates and compresses the spinal cord, emergency surgery may be needed within 24 hours to preserve mobility. Hemilaminectomy (the standard IVDD surgery) costs $3,000-$6,000. An MRI ($1,500-$3,000) is required before surgery to locate the affected disc. Post-surgical rehabilitation is critical, costing $1,000-$3,000 over 2-3 months. About 85-90% of dogs that can still feel their toes at the time of surgery will walk again. For dogs with deep pain loss, the success rate drops to 50-60%.

Rehabilitation and Recovery Costs

Post-surgical rehabilitation is essential for optimal orthopedic outcomes but adds significant cost. A typical rehabilitation program includes: underwater treadmill sessions ($40-$80 each), therapeutic exercises ($30-$60 per session), laser therapy ($30-$50 per session), and massage ($25-$50 per session). A standard 8-12 week program with 2-3 sessions per week costs $800-$3,000 total. Home exercises prescribed by the rehabilitation therapist are free and crucial for recovery. Orthopedic braces ($200-$500) may be used during recovery or as conservative management alternatives.