Torn cruciate in your dog? Our TPLO price, and how we can help
Hearing that your dog needs knee surgery is a lot to take in, and the cost is usually the next worry. A TPLO here is $4,800, and you are welcome to come in and talk every part of it through with us before anything is decided.
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The short answer
- A TPLO at Eastwood is $4,800, your dog's first four check-ups after surgery are part of that, and we guarantee surgery within seven days.
- 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.
- The first step is always a consultation, and the overall outlook after surgery is extremely good.
What does cruciate surgery cost?
A TPLO at Eastwood Veterinary Hospital is $4,800. For small dogs we usually recommend a lateral suture instead, and we will give you that price at your consultation, once we know which operation is right.
What the TPLO price includes
- The TPLO surgery itself.
- Your dog's medication on the day of surgery.
- 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.
Nobody should have to make this decision in a hurry
A knee operation is a big step for your dog and for the family, and nobody should feel rushed into it. Whether you start with a phone call or a visit, we will answer every question you have before anything is decided. Every one of our team is Fear Free certified, so the visit itself is as calm for your dog as we can make it, and you will know the price before anything is booked.
Worried about a sore back leg?
We would be glad to see your dog. We will examine the knee gently, explain what we find in plain terms, and go through the options and the cost with you, with no pressure either way.
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.
You are welcome to talk it through first
Some families like to ring and ask a few questions before they book, and that is completely fine with us. If it is easier to talk it through in Korean, Mandarin or Cantonese, let us know when you get in touch and we will do our best to arrange it.
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.
Can we have the consultation in Korean, Mandarin or Cantonese?
All three are spoken at Eastwood. If you tell us which you would prefer when you book, we will do our best to arrange it.
…Upfront with price estimates which is good in my book…
lil% one%, Google review · 5 stars
A real review, quoted as written. Read our Google reviews →
We do orthopaedic surgery here in Eastwood, and our team speaks Korean, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Medically reviewed by Dr Mirko Spidalieri. Updated October 2026. This guide is general information, not a quote and not a substitute for examining your individual dog.
We are here to talk it through
We would love to meet your dog and take a proper look at that knee. You can book online, or ring us on 02 7258 9900 and the team will find a time that suits your family.
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