One knee, the whole visit: the consult, X-rays, blood work, anesthesia, the surgery with its plate and screws, a night in hospital and pain medication.
Tell us what your dog needs. Clinics near you reply with what they’d charge and when they can see you.
Ask clinics near you for a quoteFree · your details stay private · no obligation
The surgery and its implant are the biggest line by far. X-rays, anesthesia and the hospital stay make up the rest.
Have these prices with you when you call a vet or check the bill afterwards.
Who operates changes the bill more than anything else.
Tell us what your dog needs. Nearby clinics reply with what they’d charge and when they can see you.
Free · your details stay private · no obligationYes — most comprehensive plans cover TPLO at 70–90% after deductible. The catch is the 6–12 month orthopedic waiting period, so late enrollment can void the claim. If your dog showed cruciate-area lameness before the policy started, it can be flagged as pre-existing and excluded.
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.
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.
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.
Board-certified veterinary surgeons charge $3,500–$6,000+ for TPLO. Some experienced general practice vets who perform TPLOs charge $2,000–$3,500 — potentially saving $1,000–$2,000. The trade-off: board-certified surgeons typically have higher case volumes, more specialized equipment, and published complication rates. Ask any surgeon how many TPLOs they perform per year and their complication rate.
Most comprehensive pet insurance plans cover TPLO surgery — CCL tears are one of the most common large claims for dogs. The catch: most policies have a 6–12 month orthopedic-specific waiting period, and the tear must occur after enrollment. If your dog was diagnosed before the policy started, it's a pre-existing condition and won't be covered. Reimbursement is typically 70–90% after your deductible, which can mean $2,500–$5,000+ back on a $4,000–$6,000 surgery.
A TPLO bill typically has 8–12 line items: orthopedic consultation ($75–$150), pre-op blood work ($75–$200), pre-op X-rays ($150–$400, 2–3 knee views), general anesthesia ($300–$600), the TPLO procedure + implants ($2,000–$4,000), post-op X-rays ($100–$200), hospitalization/monitoring ($200–$500 per night), pain medications ($50–$150), anti-inflammatory meds ($30–$60), and an e-collar ($10–$25). Follow-up visits (2–3 rechecks with X-rays) are often included in the surgery package or cost $100–$300 additional.
Post-surgical rehab is optional but common. Canine rehabilitation (underwater treadmill, range-of-motion exercises, laser therapy) typically costs $50–$100 per session, with most dogs attending 1–2 sessions per week for 4–12 weeks. Total rehab cost: $200–$1,000. Some pet insurance plans cover rehabilitation if prescribed by your veterinarian. Not all dogs need formal rehab — your surgeon will advise based on your dog's progress.
TPLO plate removal surgery costs $800–$2,500. Most dogs never need the plate removed — the titanium hardware stays in permanently. Plate removal is only needed if the implant causes irritation, infection, or is interfering with the joint (5–10% of cases). The surgery is less complex than the original TPLO: shorter anesthesia time, no new implant, and faster recovery. Some surgeons charge 40–60% of the original TPLO cost for removal.
Most TPLO estimates are relatively accurate — within 10–20% of the final bill. The main variable: if meniscal (cartilage) damage is found during surgery, repair adds $300–$800 that may not be in the initial estimate. Complications like infection or implant failure are rare (<5%) but can add $500–$2,000. Ask your surgeon for a written estimate that specifies what's included and what would be extra. Based on our data, the typical range is $3,700–$4,350 per knee.
TPLO ($3,000–$6,000+ per knee) is the gold standard but not the only option. Lateral suture / extracapsular repair costs $1,200–$3,000 — simpler and cheaper, best for dogs under 40 lbs. TTA (tibial tuberosity advancement) costs $3,000–$5,500 — similar success rate to TPLO. Conservative management (no surgery) costs $200–$500 for bracing, supplements, and rehab, but has lower success rates for active dogs over 30 lbs. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach based on your dog's size, activity level, and the severity of the tear.
Prices come from 5 real vet bills that owners shared with us for this. “Most bills” means the middle half: a quarter were lower and a quarter were higher. How we work this out