How Much Does Surgery for a Torn ACL in Dogs Cost?

Sponsored by Figo Pet Insurance

If your dog suddenly starts limping on one of their back legs, it’s natural to be concerned, especially if your vet mentions a torn ACL. In dogs, this injury is technically called a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear, but it’s essentially the same as the ACL in humans. It’s one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs, and unfortunately, one of the most expensive to treat.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what to expect, from diagnosis and treatment options to dog ACL surgery costs, pet insurance for ACL surgery, and ways to make the financial side more manageable. Whether you’re navigating this decision now or planning ahead, the goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in choosing the best care for your dog.

Understanding ACL Injuries in Dogs

A torn ACL (or CCL) is a rupture of the ligament that stabilizes the knee joint. Without it, the bones can shift abnormally, causing pain, inflammation, and loss of mobility. Symptoms often include limping, stiffness after rest, difficulty rising or jumping, swelling around the knee, or a clicking sound when walking.

Large, active breeds such as Labradors, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are more prone to this injury, and risk increases with age, excess weight, and repetitive stress. While some tears happen suddenly — such as after chasing a ball and making a sharp turn — many develop gradually as the ligament weakens over time.

Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam to check for joint instability, X-rays to rule out other issues and check for arthritis, and sometimes advanced imaging like an MRI. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing further joint damage.

How Much Does ACL Surgery Cost for Dogs?

The cost of dog ACL surgery typically ranges from $1,200 to over $5,000, depending on the procedure, your location, and your dog’s size.

Common surgical options include:

• TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) – $3,000 to $5,000: Often considered the gold standard for large, active dogs, this procedure involves cutting and rotating the tibia to stabilize the knee.
• Lateral Suture Technique – $1,200 to $2,500: More common for smaller dogs, this method uses a synthetic suture to mimic the ligament’s function.
• TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) – $3,000 to $4,500: Similar to TPLO but uses a different approach to alter joint mechanics.

Costs can also be influenced by the surgeon’s qualifications (board-certified specialists often charge more), geographic location (urban clinics may be pricier), and post-operative needs like rehab or medications.

Post-Surgery Costs and Recovery Care

The surgery itself is just part of the financial picture. Recovery often brings extra expenses for medications, follow-up visits, and rehabilitation. Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics can run $50 to $200, while physical therapy sessions often cost $40 to $100 each.

You may also need supportive items such as e-collars, harnesses, orthopedic bedding, or joint supplements. Recovery can take three to six months, and while most dogs regain excellent mobility with proper rehab, some will need ongoing joint support to reduce arthritis risk.

Does Pet Insurance Cover ACL Surgery?

Many accident and illness pet insurance plans will cover ACL surgery, but only if the injury isn’t pre-existing. Coverage often includes diagnostics, surgery (TPLO, TTA, or lateral suture), anesthesia, hospitalization, and sometimes post-op rehab.

However, there are important details to check. Many providers have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for cruciate ligament coverage, and some have bilateral condition clauses. This means if one knee is injured before coverage starts, the other may not be covered later.

Companies known to cover ACL surgeries include Healthy Paws, Embrace, Nationwide, and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. To improve your chances of making a successful claim, keep detailed records, save all invoices, and submit claims promptly.

Pet Insurance Limitations to Watch For

Some pet insurance plans have exclusions for certain conditions, including ACL surgeries or other orthopedic procedures. Many policies also include bilateral condition clauses, which means if your dog has an issue on one side of their body before coverage begins (like a torn ligament in the left knee), the same issue on the right side might not be covered later.

For cruciate ligament coverage in particular, many insurers have waiting periods that can last several months before policies kick in. If your dog develops the problem during this time, treatment likely won’t be covered.

Before enrolling, review any breed-specific rules and the fine print for your dog’s policy. Some breeds are prone to certain health conditions that may be excluded or have limited coverage, and you don’t want to be caught by surprise when you submit a claim. Reading through these details up front can help you choose a plan that actually meets your dog’s needs.

Payment Options If You Don’t Have Insurance

If you don’t have coverage, you still have options for managing the cost:

• CareCredit: A healthcare credit card with short-term no-interest plans (can also be used alongside insurance).
• Veterinary payment plans: Some clinics offer in-house financing or partner with third-party providers.
• Nonprofit assistance: Groups like The Pet Fund and RedRover offer financial aid for emergency surgeries.
• Crowdfunding and community help: Platforms like GoFundMe or breed-specific rescue organizations can be helpful resources.

Don’t be afraid to discuss costs openly with your veterinarian. They may be able to suggest alternative procedures or adjust the treatment plan to better fit your budget.

Planning Ahead: Preventive Steps and Budgeting Tips

Not all ACL tears can be prevented, but keeping your dog at a healthy weight, providing joint supplements, and focusing on low-impact exercise can help reduce risk. Avoid repetitive high-impact activities, and work on maintaining good muscle tone for better joint stability.

From a financial perspective, consider setting up a pet emergency fund, enrolling in insurance that covers orthopedic conditions, and scheduling preventive screenings for at-risk breeds.