Dog ACL (TPLO) surgery cost
A torn cruciate ligament (the dog version of an ACL) is often repaired with TPLO surgery, one of the biggest bills most dog owners face.
Updated October 15, 2026 · US prices · 2 sources · see sources
| Item | Typical US price | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Dog TPLO Surgery: typical owner bill (5 bills) | $3,700–$4,350 | [1] |
| Dog Hip Surgery: typical owner bill | $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) | [2] |
| On the bill: Surgeon’s consult | $75–$150 | [1] |
| On the bill: X-rays before surgery (2 to 3 views of the knee) | $150–$400 | [1] |
| On the bill: Blood work before surgery | $75–$200 | [1] |
| On the bill: Anesthesia and monitoring (For a surgery of 1.5 to 3 hours) | $300–$600 | [1] |
| On the bill: The TPLO surgery, with plate and screws (The surgeon’s fee and the implant) | $2,000–$4,000 | [1] |
| On the bill: X-rays after surgery (Confirms the plate is in place) | $100–$200 | [1] |
| On the bill: Hospital stay (Overnight) | $200–$500 | [1] |
| On the bill: Pain medication (Injections on the day plus pills to take home) | $50–$150 | [1] |
| On the bill: Cone (e-collar) | $10–$25 | [1] |
Ranges come from the sources below, and each one measures something slightly different (published prices, owner invoices or planning budgets). Your vet's estimate is what counts. Older figures, like the ASPCA's 2021 table, are probably lower than today's prices.
What affects the cost
- Who does it Published prices: $3,500–$6,000 or more with a board-certified surgeon, and $2,000–$3,500 with a regular vet who does TPLOs. [1]
- Your dog’s size Bigger dogs need bigger implants, more anesthesia and a longer surgery. [1]
- Cartilage damage A repair found to be needed during surgery adds $300–$800. [1]
- The other knee A second TPLO costs close to the price of the first. [1]
- Which surgery Removing the ball of the joint runs $1,500–$3,500. A total hip replacement runs $3,500–$7,000 or more. [2]
- One hip or both A second hip is usually done 3 to 6 months later, at close to the price of the first. [2]
📍 Regional note
- Where you live City specialty hospitals in California, New York and Massachusetts charge more than practices in the Southeast or Midwest. [1]
Ways to save
- Ask a surgeon and a regular vet who does TPLOs The price difference can be $1,000–$2,000. Ask each how many they do in a year. [1]
- Ask if rechecks and follow-up X-rays are in the quote Some surgeons include two or three. Others charge $100–$300 a visit. [1]
- If both knees need surgery, ask about the second one Some surgeons take 10–20% off the second knee. [1]
- Ask whether formal rehab is needed Rehab adds $200–$1,000. Ask your surgeon whether your dog needs sessions or exercises at home. [1]
- Ask about a payment plan CareCredit, Scratchpay and many practices offer interest-free periods of 6 to 12 months. [1]
- If your dog is insured, check before you book A plan bought before the injury usually pays 70–90% of the bill. [1]
- Ask a surgeon and a regular vet who does hip surgery The price difference can be $1,000–$3,000. Ask two or three practices for an itemized estimate. [2]
- Ask which surgery is planned, and the price of each The two differ by thousands of dollars. Your surgeon can tell you which suits your dog’s size and hip. [2]
Questions to ask your vet
Print this or bring it on your phone.
Common questions
How much does TPLO surgery cost for a dog?
Based on 5 real invoices and estimates, TPLO surgery typically costs between $3,700 and $4,350 for one knee. This includes the surgery, implants, anesthesia, X-rays, hospitalization, and follow-up visits. The TPLO procedure line item alone (surgeon fee + implant) typically runs $2,000–$4,000, with the rest of the bill covering anesthesia, diagnostics, and post-op care. (Source: VetReceipt)
What makes TPLO so expensive?
TPLO is a complex orthopedic surgery that requires specialized training, titanium or stainless steel implants ($700–$800 for the plate and screws alone), extended anesthesia time (1.5–3 hours), pre-op and post-op X-rays, and multiple follow-up visits over 8–12 weeks. Most TPLOs are performed by board-certified veterinary surgeons who charge a premium for their expertise and higher success rates. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much does TPLO cost if both knees need surgery?
If both knees need TPLO (bilateral), the second surgery is usually performed 8–16 weeks after the first. Expect to pay 80–100% of the first surgery's cost for the second knee — some surgeons offer a modest discount. Total cost for both knees: $5,000–$10,000+. Studies show 30–60% of dogs that tear one CCL eventually tear the other, so budget accordingly. (Source: VetReceipt)
What is the cost difference between FHO and total hip replacement?
FHO ($1,500–$3,500) removes the ball of the hip joint — a simpler surgery performed by most orthopedic surgeons. Total hip replacement ($3,500–$7,000+) replaces the joint with a prosthetic — a specialist procedure with higher implant costs ($1,500–$2,500 for the prosthetic alone). THR has higher upfront cost but potentially better long-term outcomes for larger dogs. (Source: VetReceipt)
Does pet insurance cover hip surgery?
Most comprehensive plans cover hip surgery at 70–90% after deductible — if the condition was not pre-existing. Critical: most policies have a 6–12 month orthopedic-specific waiting period. Hip dysplasia diagnosed before enrollment is excluded. A single hip surgery claim ($3,000–$7,000) can pay for years of insurance premiums. Early enrollment is essential for hip-prone breeds (German Shepherds, Labs, Golden Retrievers). (Source: VetReceipt)
What does the hip surgery bill include?
A hip surgery bill typically includes: orthopedic consultation ($75–$200), pre-op X-rays ($150–$400), pre-op blood work ($75–$200), general anesthesia ($300–$600), the surgical procedure + implants ($1,500–$5,000+), post-op X-rays ($100–$200), overnight hospitalization ($200–$600), pain medications ($50–$150), and 2–3 follow-up visits with X-rays. (Source: VetReceipt)
Breeds with related health issues
These breed pages mention a related health issue, based on AKC, CFA and PetMD breed information. It doesn't mean every pet of the breed will need this.
Related guides
Sources
- VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
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