Author: Kim So-eun (Chief Veterinarian, Okilaraamc) This content was prepared in compliance with relevant laws including the Medical Service Act.
How much will dog cruciate ligament surgery cost in Bucheon·Gwangmyeong?
To put it plainly, TPLO surgery costs generally range from 2 to 4 million won, and there is no single fixed price.
Actual costs vary greatly depending on the dog's body weight, degree of rupture, surgical method choice, type of implant, and level of anesthesia management. According to related clinical data, the cost range differs significantly based solely on the choice of surgical method (TPLO, extracapsular fixation, etc.), and veterinarian response cases also indicate that the final amount varies depending on pre-surgery examination items, implant grade, and length of hospital stay.
Therefore, rather than simply comparing numbers, examining the precision of surgical planning, imaging equipment level, and whether post-surgery rehabilitation coordination is available is a more rationally sound long-term choice.
❓ "If the cost is low, is the surgery level also low?" Not necessarily. However, it is more important to check whether CT·radiography-based surgical planning, 24-hour emergency response capability, and post-surgery management system are all in place.
What is Cruciate Ligament Rupture? TPLO·Extracapsular Fixation Surgical Method Comparison
Anterior cruciate ligament rupture in dogs is one of the most commonly occurring orthopedic problems among canine knee conditions. According to Health Kyunghyang reporting, when the cruciate ligament ruptures, the knee joint becomes unstable, and if left untreated, it rapidly progresses to arthritis. According to veterinary medical column data, the ratio of cruciate ligament rupture in medium to large-sized dogs is particularly high, and obesity and strenuous exercise are also identified as risk factors.
Surgical methods are divided into two main categories.
| Category | Extracapsular Fixation (Lateral Suture) | TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | Joint is stabilized externally with strong sutures (suture material) | Joint is biomechanically stabilized by adjusting the tibial plateau angle |
| Suitable Weight | Small dogs (recommended under 5kg) | Medium to large dogs 5kg and above, recommended as standard surgery |
| Advantages | Relatively low cost, short surgery time | Sustained stability, low complication recurrence rate |
| Disadvantages | High risk of suture breakage complications in medium to large dogs | Higher cost and potentially longer recovery period |
| Post-surgery Expectations | Good prognosis in small dogs | Advantageous for maintaining long-term joint function in medium to large dogs |
According to Health Kyunghyang data, TPLO is presented as the most recommended surgical method for dogs weighing 5kg or more. According to clinical data, TPLO is designed to allow the joint to function stably without the cruciate ligament by altering the tibial plateau angle. Additionally, surgical precision can be increased by pre-simulating the osteotomy plan based on radiographic images.
▪ Surgical method selection must be comprehensively reviewed with body weight·tibial plateau angle (TPA)·degree of rupture and discussed with the attending veterinarian.
How Okilaraamc Approaches TPLO Surgery
Okilaraamc, located in Ochil, Bucheon, with the chief veterinarian holding a master's degree in diagnostic imaging who personally handles pre-surgery image interpretation, has a medical structure where surgery, imaging, and internal medicine are coordinated 24 hours under one roof.
In TPLO surgery, the precision of pre-surgical planning directly impacts the results. Health Kyunghyang also introduces how uploading radiographic images to programs to pre-simulate osteotomy plans and implants increases surgical precision. According to clinical data, highly active medium to large dogs and small dogs with large tibial plateau angles (TPA) have high complication risk after extracapsular fixation, so TPLO is recommended.
Okilaraamc proceeds with TPLO surgery in the following order.
▪ Stage 1 — Imaging Examination: Radiographic·CT imaging to measure degree of rupture and tibial plateau angle (TPA) ▪ Stage 2 — Surgical Plan Establishment: Pre-simulation of osteotomy location·angle·implant based on imaging interpretation results ▪ Stage 3 — Surgical Suitability Determination: Final confirmation of surgical feasibility after evaluating body weight·health status·cardiac function ▪ Stage 4 — TPLO Surgery Progress: Conducted by orthopedic veterinary surgeon, anesthesia dedicated management ▪ Stage 5 — Post-surgery Monitoring: 24-hour hospitalization observation and pain management, rehabilitation coordination guidance
Based on pre-surgery CT·radiographic examination results, surgical suitability and surgical method are individually determined. If you provide information about current status, body weight, and symptom onset timing during your visit, more accurate guidance will be possible.
Things You Must Check Before Surgery
Before deciding on surgery, check the following checklist first.
▪ Confirm Surgical Method Suitability — Have you confirmed that the surgical method is appropriate for your dog's body weight and tibial plateau angle (TPA)? ▪ Check 24-hour Emergency Response Capability — Have you confirmed that the hospital can immediately respond if abnormal signs occur at night or on weekends after surgery? According to related clinical data, monitoring within 24-48 hours after surgery is crucial for recovery. ▪ Check Rehabilitation Program Coordination — Did you know that post-surgery rehabilitation directly impacts muscle maintenance and joint range of motion recovery? (Reference Guide Material for reference) ▪ Opposite Leg Management Plan — Dogs with cruciate ligament rupture may experience cascade rupture in the opposite leg, so a body weight management and exercise intensity control plan is necessary. ▪ Pre-notification of Non-insurance Medical Costs — Confirm whether surgery costs·hospitalization fees·rehabilitation costs are transparently provided in advance. ▪ Check Imaging Examination Inclusion — It is important to confirm whether CT·radiographic examinations are included in the surgical plan.
Pet owners considering surgery at Bucheon Ochil animal hospital, Gwangmyeong dog surgery, Sosa animal medical center, Yeokgok animal hospital, and Siheung dog cruciate ligament surgery are also recommended to compare hospitals based on the above criteria. You can visit Okilaraamc from nearby Bucheon Ochil·Gwangmyeong·Sosa·Yeokgok·Siheung and other areas.
Consultation Step by Step from the Beginning
At Bucheon Ochil Okilaraamc, we provide step-by-step consultation from imaging examination through surgical method selection to cost guidance.
There are clinical cases where surgery is delayed due to cost concerns, and arthritis worsens before internal visit. According to related clinical data, cases are reported where surgery that was possible at an early stage was delayed, resulting in significant muscle mass difference and involvement of the opposite leg before presentation to the clinic. Veterinarian response cases also emphasize that cruciate ligament rupture is difficult to treat naturally, and the probability of cascade rupture of the opposite leg is high if left untreated.
Accurate costs can only be provided after diagnosis through imaging examination. We will first confirm your dog's condition, then provide step-by-step guidance on whether surgery is necessary·which surgical method is appropriate·what the expected cost will be. The greater your concerns, the more important the first consultation becomes as the most critical first step.
Questions Like These, Right?
Q1. How long is the recovery period after TPLO surgery?
Generally, 8-12 weeks is the critical recovery period after surgery. During this period, exercise restriction and rehabilitation exercises are performed together. Full recovery of normal gait thereafter can take 3-6 months, with variations depending on the individual dog's body weight, age, and health status. Step-by-step recovery management according to the attending veterinarian's instructions is important.
Q2. Should small dogs also have TPLO surgery, or is extracapsular fixation sufficient?
For small dogs under 5kg, extracapsular fixation may be prioritized for examination. However, small dogs with large tibial plateau angles (TPA) or high activity levels may have complication risks after extracapsular fixation, so TPLO is recommended in some cases. Rather than deciding based on weight alone, consulting with a veterinarian based on radiographic examination results is most accurate.
Q3. Are hospitalization fees·rehabilitation fees included in surgery costs?
Surgery costs and hospitalization·rehabilitation fees are typically billed separately. Pre-surgery examination costs (blood tests·radiography·CT), anesthesia costs, implant costs, and management costs depending on hospitalization period are separated by item. We recommend checking estimated costs by item during consultation and comprehensively understanding costs that may occur throughout the entire treatment process.
Q4. I heard the opposite leg can also rupture — is there a prevention method?
Dogs with cruciate ligament rupture have increased risk of cascade rupture in the opposite leg as load concentrates there after surgery. Body weight management is the most effective prevention method, and lifestyle environmental adjustments such as reducing strenuous jumping and stair use also help. Managing balanced muscle recovery during post-surgery rehabilitation is important.
⚠️ This content complies with Article 56 of the Medical Service Act, and results may vary depending on individual status.