How Much Does ACL (CCL) Surgery for Dogs Cost?

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) stretches over a dog’s knee and is sometimes abbreviated as CrCL. In humans, this band of tissue is called the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL/CCL works like a strong rubber band that stabilizes the knee by preventing too much movement between the shin bone, or tibia, and the thigh bone, known as the femur.

ACL/CCL injuries in dogs do not always require surgery. But untreated injuries can lead to permanent pain, arthritis, and lameness.

If your dog’s ACL/CCL needs surgery, you may be facing thousands of dollars in costs. These procedures usually range from $750 to $8,000 depending on the surgery technique and other factors.

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What is ACL surgery for dogs?

ACL surgery for dogs is an operation that repairs a ruptured or torn CCL. When a dog’s CCL gets damaged, the knee joint becomes unstable. This causes the dog pain and makes it difficult for them to walk. And surgery is often needed to correct the damage. 

Having surgery as quickly as possible will prevent your dog from having a permanent disability and reduce their risk of secondary arthritis. 

What are the different types of ACL/CCL surgeries for dogs?

There are several ways to repair a dog’s torn CCL. But all of the approaches involve one of three main techniques, which are outlined in the chart below.

Each type of procedure has unique benefits and risks. Your dog’s surgery options will depend on factors, such as:

• Size and breed

• Extent of injury

• Shape of leg bones

Surgery techniques explained

Your surgeon will examine your dog and give you a procedure recommendation. Here’s more about each surgery technique.

Suture-based

Suture-based surgical techniques like ELSS and the TightRope technique are the most affordable and least invasive. These procedures use extra strong sutures designed to create supportive scar tissue in key places. The strength of the sutures stabilizes the dog’s knee while it heals. And then, scars form along the suture lines and continue to reinforce the area. 

Suture techniques have a long history of use and are very effective. Recovery involves around 6 to 8 weeks of restricted movement and physical therapy.

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Bone-reshaping 

Bone-reshaping surgical techniques include TPLO, TTA and TTO. In these surgeries, the top of the shinbone is cut and then reshaped to support the dog’s knee joint. This provides stability to the knee and protects the injured ligament. These procedures are more invasive but they have excellent long-term success. Expect up to 6 months of restricted movement and physical therapy after surgery.

TPLO is the most common ACL/CCL technique overall because of its success rate for the most common population that suffers ACL/CCL ruptures.

Implant-based

At the time of publication, implant-based CCL repair is a developing technology. It is slightly more invasive than suture-based techniques, but less invasive than bone-reshaping surgeries.

What is the average cost of dog ACL/CCL surgery?

Depending on the procedure, the cost of dog ACL/CCL surgery ranges from $750 up to $8,000. But the average cost ends up at $2,000 to $4,000. 

You may receive a bundled price from your veterinary surgeon that includes the surgery and additional services. The chart below shows ACL/CCL procedure estimates for surgery only. These prices do not include:

• Anesthesia

• Follow-up visits

• Medications

• Physical therapy

• X-rays

How can you find the best price for ACL/CCL surgery for your dog?

The best way to save money on dog ACL/CCL surgery is to shop around. Here are some tips to help you find the best price:

• Call local veterinarians and compare prices. Veterinary offices offer different prices for procedures. Calling around can help you understand the price per service compared to bundled offers for your dog’s procedure. You can also ask about financing options.

• Contact rural or small town veterinarians in less expensive areas. The costs of veterinary services can vary widely from place to place. You may find a better deal by traveling to a nearby area that offers more affordable prices.

• Check your pet insurance to see if this surgery is covered. If you have pet insurance, dog ACL/CCL surgery may be covered, depending on your plan. Insurance coverage can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Some pet health insurance plans do not pay the full amount of the surgery, but will reimburse you for a portion of the cost. Check with your pet insurance company to confirm your plan’s benefits. 

Is there financing available for pet surgery?

There are many ways to finance pet surgery. Here are some of the most common:

• Vet financing: Some veterinarians partner with financing companies to offer payment arrangements for your pet’s healthcare costs. These plans often do not require a credit check and have a 100% approval rate. If you have less than perfect credit, this is your best option. Find a veterinarian in your area who offers a financing program. 

• Care Now, Pay Later: This financing option lets you pay your veterinary bills in installments. Your Care Now, Pay Later interest rate is determined by your credit score.

• Medical credit card: You can only use medical credit cards at participating veterinary offices for your pet’s healthcare needs. You may be better off opening a traditional card with a 0% interest rate or a rewards credit card instead. Interest rates are determined by your credit score.

• Medical loans: These are basically personal loans that can only be used for medical care. You will need good or excellent credit to qualify for a medical loan to pay veterinary bills. 

• Personal loans: Personal loans can be used for any reason, including for your dog’s healthcare costs. There are more personal loan options on the market than medical loan options. You will need good or excellent credit to qualify. 

Avoid applying for multiple loans at once. Research your options and compare terms, then apply for one financing option. Multiple credit applications could trigger a series of inquiries on your credit report. Those inquiries could drop your credit score, even if you secure financing.

What can you do if you can’t afford ACL surgery for your dog?

If you can’t afford ACL surgery for your dog, here are some ways to access free or low-cost veterinary care:

• Ask about discounts. Some veterinarians provide charity care or offer discounts. Call your veterinarian and explain your situation. If they can’t help you, ask them to refer you to a veterinary office or organization who may be able to offer assistance.

• Contact nonprofit organizations. Local nonprofits that offer free vaccinations and other free and low-cost vet care might be able to help you pay for your dog’s ACL surgery or tell you about other options.

• Contact veterinary medicine colleges. Many vet schools run low-cost clinics for pet owners with limited resources. You can find a list of accredited veterinary colleges and their contact information here.

You can also explore options available from organizations that help with vet bills.

Can a dog live comfortably without having ACL surgery? 

As mentioned earlier, untreated ACL/CCL injuries can lead to permanent pain, arthritis, and lameness in dogs. But surgery is not always required for your dog to live comfortably. Sometimes, minor injuries can be treated successfully with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, knee braces, and physical therapy. 

A veterinarian can determine whether your dog needs to have ACL/CCL surgery.

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Written by:

Lisa Kaelin

Lisa Kaelin is an author, editor, and artist. She has nearly 2 decades of experience writing and editing online personal finance content.

Edited by:

Cindy George, MPH

Cindy George is the senior personal finance editor at GoodRx. She is an endlessly curious health journalist and digital storyteller.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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