If your dog’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL; adequately known as the CCL) has been partially or completely torn, then there is a good probability that your dog will require surgery to repair the injury. The Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, often known as TPLO, is the surgical procedure that is used most frequently to repair a damaged anterior cruciate ligament. It is more prevalent in larger dog breeds, specifically those that weigh more than 30-40 pounds. But what about its cost? How much does dog TPLO surgery cost?
The average cost of dog TPLO surgery can range between $3500 to $5000. Actually, the cost of TPLO surgery directly depends upon the dog’s size. If the dog size is small, the cost is around $3500 to $4200, but if the dog size is large or giant, the cost of TPLO surgery will be $4200 to $5000.
Factors Associated with Dog TPLO Surgery Costs
- The cost of canine TPLO surgery is mainly affected by the dog’s size (as discussed above). The larger the dog size is, the more it costs.
- The price of a TPLO surgery for your dog can also vary based on age, breed, and current health status.
- The vet’s reputation may play a role in determining the cost. For instance, the cost of having a TPLO surgery by an experienced or reputed veterinary surgeon can increase price significantly.
- A veterinarian’s fee might differ depending on where you live.
What If My Dog Needs TPLO Surgery, And I Can’t Afford It?
Most veterinarians want payment at the time of operation, so have a payment plan ready before setting up an appointment. Make sure you inquire about any financial aid or discount programs offered by your vet.
Get in touch with your insurance company to find out what percentage of the procedure they will cover and how much you will be responsible for paying out of pocket if you have pet insurance. To make things more simpler, certain insurance providers may make payments straight to the hospital.
What Factors Influence the Price of TPLO Surgery?
The total cost and what’s included in your dog’s surgery will depend on the clinic, but the following were all part of the deal:
- Anesthesia
- Surgery itself
- IV fluids
- Pain relief medication
- Surgical plates and screws
- Needles, thread, and other surgical supplies
- X-Rays
- Institutional care and monitoring for the night
- Post-operative care
Concerns Regarding the Dog TPLO Surgery and Possible Complications
Because TPLO is a significant operation, there is always the possibility of complications. There is a possibility of infection in the short term, in addition to the possibility that the screws may become loose or the bone will mend slowly. If the animal resumes normal activity too soon after surgery, there is a greater chance that these complications may arise. These results might have long-term repercussions since they would necessitate additional surgical intervention.
Additionally, there is an increased risk of osteoarthritis and other degenerative diseases whenever surgery is performed on a joint, just as there is with any other type of joint surgery.
How Effective Is TPLO Surgery For Dogs?
This treatment is quite efficient in fixing the knee and restoring full weight bearing. After surgery, around 90% of dogs get back to normal use of their legs.
Conclusion
TPLO is the most common surgical procedure for repairing an ACL tear. Canines weighing more than 30-40 pounds are more likely to contract this very invasive issue. The price of TPLO surgery for a dog often falls between $3500 and $5000. In reality, the total cost of TPLO surgery is proportional to the dog’s body mass. A TPLO surgery will cost you between $3500 and $4200 for a little dog but $4200 and $5000 for an enormous dog.
