CritterCruciate Ligament (CCL/ACL, TPLO) Surgery Cost for Dogs & Cats (2026)
Cruciate Ligament (CCL/ACL, TPLO) Surgery typically costs $3,000–$7,000 in the US and A$3,000–A$6,000 in Australia. It is a emergency procedure; the exact price turns on body weight (large and giant breeds cost most); surgical technique (extracapsular suture vs TPLO/TTA); board-certified surgeon vs general practice; pre-op imaging and post-op rehab extra; the second knee often follows.
Typical price range
| Region | Typical range | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3,000–$7,000 | body weight (large and giant breeds cost most); surgical technique (extracapsular suture vs TPLO/TTA); board-certified surgeon vs general practice; pre-op imaging and post-op rehab extra; the second knee often follows |
| Australia | A$3,000–A$6,000 | From AU clinic + insurer claim data |
What drives the price
body weight (large and giant breeds cost most); surgical technique (extracapsular suture vs TPLO/TTA); board-certified surgeon vs general practice; pre-op imaging and post-op rehab extra; the second knee often follows. Prices vary widely by clinic, region and the animal’s size and condition, which is why we show a range rather than a single figure.
Is it covered by insurance?
Accident-and-illness pet insurance commonly covers unexpected procedures like this (routine and pre-existing items are usually excluded). See how premiums compare on pet insurance cost by state. We state costs only, not advice on whether to insure.
Frequently asked questions
How much does cruciate ligament (ccl/acl, tplo) surgery cost?
In the US, $3,000–$7,000; in Australia, A$3,000–A$6,000. The range reflects clinic, region and the animal’s size.
Why is there such a wide range?
Veterinary pricing is not standardised. The same procedure can differ substantially between a low-cost clinic and a specialty hospital, so a cited band is more honest than a single number.
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Sources & method
- 11 Most Expensive Dog Health Problems, MetLife Pet Insurance (2025), collected 2026-07-20.
- Dog & Cat Surgery Costs (2026) - Real Vet Bills by Procedure, Vet Receipt (2026), collected 2026-07-20.
- How much surgery costs for dogs and cats in Australia, Finder AU (2025), collected 2026-07-20.
- The real cost of pet surgery bills and insurance premiums, Compare the Market AU (2025), collected 2026-07-20.
- Affordable Vet & Pet Pricing Guide for Various Surgeries and Treatments, Melbourne Pet Surgery (2025), collected 2026-07-20.
- The Real Cost of Common Pet Emergencies in Australia, PetsOnMe (2025), collected 2026-07-20.
Every figure is assembled from these sources by the model on our methodology page. No number is copied from a competitor.
Figures assembled July 20, 2026. Baselines: AVMA 2025 · NAPHIA 2024 · AMA 2025. These are assembled estimates, not measured costs. See how we build them.