How Much Does TPLO Surgery for Dogs Cost?
Updated 2026-08-15 · Typical US ranges · Prices vary by region and clinic
TPLO knee surgery for dogs typically costs $3,000 to $6,500 per knee, with a national average around $3,525. Prices range from about $2,800 to over $6,400 depending on location, and some specialist practices quote $6,000–$10,000 per leg.
What’s included in the range?
Per knee, including anesthesia, the bone plate and screws, hospitalization, and surgeon fees; complex cases, larger dogs, and specialty hospitals in high-cost areas run higher.
What affects the price
- Dog size and weight — larger dogs need bigger implants and more anesthesia, raising the price
- Geographic location — state averages range from about $2,900 to over $6,300 (e.g., Hawaii)
- Whether a board-certified veterinary surgeon performs it — specialist fees push costs toward the top
- Bilateral surgery — both knees in one procedure costs more but less than two separate surgeries
- Extras like pre-surgical blood work, X-rays, medications, and post-op rehab or physical therapy
Questions to ask your vet
- Does the quoted price cover the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, implants, and hospitalization — and what's extra?
- Is a board-certified veterinary surgeon performing the TPLO?
- What does recovery involve and how much will follow-up X-rays, medications, and rehab add?
- What's the success rate for my dog's size and condition, and what's the risk of complications?
Frequently asked questions
What is TPLO surgery?
Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy is the most common surgical repair for a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL/dog ACL): the surgeon cuts and rotates the top of the shin bone and holds it with a metal plate and screws so the knee stays stable without the ligament.
Why is TPLO so much more expensive than other ACL surgeries?
It's major orthopedic surgery requiring specialized training, expensive implants (plate and screws), advanced imaging, anesthesia with intensive monitoring, and often an overnight hospital stay — all of which add up.
Does pet insurance cover TPLO surgery?
Yes, most accident-and-illness policies cover CCL tears and TPLO surgery (minus deductible and coinsurance) as long as the injury isn't a pre-existing condition — but note that about half of dogs tear the other knee within a couple of years.
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- Lemonade
As of 2026, TPLO surgery for dogs can cost roughly $6,000 to $10,000 per leg.
- CareCredit
The national average cost* of CCL Surgery (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) for a dog is $3,525 but ranges anywhere from $2,793 to $6,417 depending on your location.
- GoodRx
Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) — $3,000-$8,000