Cruciate ligament rupture (similar to an ACL tear in humans) is one of the most common orthopaedic injuries in dogs. It causes lameness, pain, and if untreated, leads to severe arthritis. Surgery is the recommended treatment for most dogs.

Surgery Costs by Type

  • Lateral suture (extracapsular repair): £1,500–£2,500
  • TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement): £2,000–£3,500
  • TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy): £2,500–£4,000
  • Specialist referral consultation: £150–£300
  • Post-operative physiotherapy (per session): £40–£80

Which Surgery Is Best?

Lateral suture: The simplest and cheapest technique. Uses a strong suture outside the joint to stabilise it. Best suited for small to medium dogs under 20kg. Can be performed by most general practice vets.

TTA: A bone-cutting technique that changes the angle of the tibia to eliminate the need for the cruciate ligament. Suitable for medium to large dogs. Usually performed by orthopaedic specialists.

TPLO: Considered the gold standard for medium to large dogs. Involves cutting and rotating the top of the tibia. Has the best evidence for return to full function. Requires specialist training and equipment.

Both Legs at Risk

Studies show that 40–60% of dogs that rupture one cruciate ligament will rupture the other within 1–2 years. This means the total cost of cruciate disease could be £3,000–£8,000 for a single dog. This is one of the strongest arguments for having good pet insurance in place.

Recovery Time

Regardless of the surgical technique, recovery takes 8–12 weeks of strict rest and controlled exercise. Most surgeons recommend:

  • Weeks 1–4: Lead walks only (5–10 minutes), no running, jumping, or stairs
  • Weeks 4–8: Gradually increasing lead walks (15–20 minutes)
  • Weeks 8–12: Longer walks, introduction of off-lead exercise on flat ground

Insurance Considerations

Cruciate surgery is covered by most pet insurance policies, but there are important caveats. Many policies have bilateral exclusions, meaning they will not cover the second leg if the first was treated. Lifetime policies offer the best protection. Always check your policy's per-condition limit — a £2,000 limit may not cover the full cost of TPLO surgery.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: BSAVA, VetCost practice data.