Cruciate (knee) surgery for dogs: what it costs, and what the day involves
If your dog has torn a cruciate ligament, the cost is usually the first thing you want to know, so we will start there: a TPLO is $4,800 and a lateral suture is $4,000. Below is what that covers, which operation suits which dog, and how we work out what is wrong.
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The short answer
- A TPLO is $4,800, including X-rays after the operation and your dog's first four check-ups, and a lateral suture is $4,000.
- A torn cruciate always needs surgery. Rest on its own does not lead to a good outcome, and these dogs go on to develop severe arthritis.
- For small dogs under 7kg we usually recommend a lateral suture, and for dogs above 7kg a TPLO. Giant dogs over 70kg cost about $800 more.
- The first step is always a consultation, and the overall outlook after surgery is extremely good.
What does cruciate surgery cost?
Our prices are straightforward, and they depend on which of the two operations suits your dog.
| Surgery | Usually recommended for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lateral suture Extracapsular repair |
Small dogs under 7kg. | $4,000 |
| TPLO Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy |
Dogs above 7kg, which is most of the dogs we see. | $4,800 |
| Giant dogs | Dogs over 70kg. We see very few of them. | About $800 extra |
What the TPLO price includes
- The TPLO surgery itself.
- X-rays after the operation, on the same day, to check the repair.
- Your dog's first four check-ups after surgery, with a course of joint injections given at those visits.
We guarantee surgery within seven days. X-rays before surgery are needed to plan the operation and are a separate cost: we can take them here on an earlier day, or your regular vet can send theirs. Any complications would cost extra, and we would talk that through with you at the time.
Why surgery, rather than rest
You may read that a torn cruciate can be managed with rest. We never offer conservative management or managed rest, because it doesn't lead to a good outcome. The knee stays unstable, and these dogs go on to develop severe arthritis. A cruciate rupture always needs surgery, and the question is only which operation suits your dog.
How do we diagnose a torn cruciate?
We normally take X-rays under a general anaesthetic. While your dog is under, we also do two hands-on tests, the cranial drawer and the tibial thrust, which check for excess movement in the knee joint. Some dogs tolerate these tests awake, but most find them too painful, which is why we usually do them under anaesthetic.
On the X-rays, we look for swelling in the knee to confirm what the hands-on tests found, and we check how much arthritis is already in the joint, if any.
We always X-ray the hips as well. Poor hips or hip dysplasia sometimes go along with cruciate disease, and seeing both the hips and the knees gives us the full picture, so we can give you the best advice and a more accurate prognosis. If your dog ever needs more advanced imaging, CT is available at our sister practice, Advanced Vet Care in Lane Cove, five minutes down the road.
Straight prices, and a second opinion is always fair
Price is one of the first things owners look into when a TPLO is mentioned, and we are always happy to be upfront about it. That is why the figures are on this page rather than behind a phone call. If you want to hear more than one vet's reasoning before you decide, we would encourage it, and we are always happy to be that second opinion too.
Think your dog has hurt a knee?
A consultation is the first step. We will examine your dog, tell you which surgery we would recommend and why, and what it costs, before you decide anything.
Will pet insurance cover it?
That depends on the provider. Where cruciate surgery is covered, most providers pay around $2,500, and it is worth checking your own policy, including whether the injury could be treated as pre-existing. We can give you a written estimate to send your insurer.
Straight answers, no pressure
Our job is to give you the real picture, which operation fits your dog, what it involves and what it costs, and then let you decide.
Common questions
Which surgery will my dog need?
For small dogs under 7kg we usually recommend a lateral suture. For dogs above that, which is most of the dogs we see, we recommend a TPLO. We will confirm which suits your own dog once we have examined them.
Can a torn cruciate be managed with rest instead?
No. Rest leaves the knee unstable and the arthritis gets worse, so a torn cruciate always needs surgery.
Why a TPLO rather than a lateral suture for a bigger dog?
Because the research is clear that a TPLO generally leads to less arthritis in the long term. A lateral suture remains a good operation for small dogs under 7kg.
Will pet insurance help?
Cover differs from policy to policy, and an insurer may treat the injury as pre-existing, so it is worth a call to them before the day. Where it is covered, most pay around $2,500. We are happy to give you a written estimate to send them.
Should I get a second opinion?
Absolutely, and we'd encourage it. Hearing more than one vet's reasoning helps you feel confident in the decision. We're always happy to be that second opinion, too.
Where do we park at the new hospital?
On-street parking on Jarvis Circuit, or the multi-storey car park underneath Coles, accessed from Halifax Street.
…The Vets are always upfront about costs and offer advice on how to reduce costs where possible…
Janine Jones, Google review · 5 stars
A real review, quoted as written. Read our Google reviews →
We do orthopaedic surgery here at Macquarie Park, and we see emergencies during our opening hours.
Medically reviewed by Dr Michael Stephen, BVSc, MVSc. Updated October 2026. This guide is general information, not a quote and not a substitute for examining your individual dog.
The real picture, before you decide
We'll examine your dog, tell you which surgery we recommend and what it costs, and answer every question you have, with no pressure and no surprises. The front desk on 02 9888 1833 is happy to book you in, or you can do it online.
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