What If I Can Not Afford CCL Surgery?
Not all owners can afford the expensive surgery that cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) repair surgery typically requires. There is quite a range in prices depending on what procedure is recommended by your veterinarian for your dog’s knee repair. For example, a traditional repair can cost anywhere from $700-$1500, whereas a TPLO is usually in the $1700-$3000 range. If proceeding with surgical correction for your dog is just not an option, be aware that there are conservative management techniques that will assist your dog in recovering from cranial cruciate ligament damage.
Weight loss, arthritis medications and nutraceuticals (glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate) can have a significant, positive impact on your canine’s comfort level. Though in general this “conservative” approach is considered much less effective than surgical intervention, it does provide owners who can’t afford this surgery the opportunity to take responsible action. In fact, for most bigger patients, it seems that weight loss plays a major role in the recovery process for both dogs going through CM (conservative management) and those that have undergone traditional, extracapsular imbrication repairs.
Is there any way to finance my dog’s surgery?
Remember, there are many dogs that do well with just conservative management, and the smaller your dog, the more likely it is that they will have a successful recovery with CM in lieu of surgery. CM is not just a second resort for people unable to afford surgery, there are many owners that are unwilling or unable to put their dog through surgery, and they have recovered quite nicely with the use of CM alone. No surgical procedure will ever bring your dog’s leg function back to 100%, or pre-injury levels, so as long as your dog is healthy, happy and comfortable, you are making the right choice as an owner.
Hi,
I just found out my dog ruptured her ligament and her knee can move 1 inch. It sounds serious, and while surgery is expensive, our concern is her age. She is a 50lb, beagle/basset/chow mix, and she is 12 years old. She is healthy and active, except for some growths on her ear and abdomen. Would you recommend going through with surgery for her age? I heard the success rate is small for old dogs and the other leg often goes gets CCL as well.
How likely do you think she will recover WITHOUT surgery? Our vet said 80-90%, but your site is saying 20% for dogs over 30lbs, which is concerning me. Which option would you do if you were the owner? I’ve bought hip/joint pills, padded our kitchen floor, and she’s taking anti-inflammatory pills. Is there anything else I can do to help her while we decide?
I’m completely devasted and feel terrible about her leg. She loved taking walks, and that has been deeply restricted. Thank you for your help. Hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Kim,
First, let me say I am very sorry to hear about your dog’s injury. These types of injuries can be tough, and while I am no veterinary professional, I personally feel that every dog should have a chance to heal with conservative management before going through with surgery. It seems like you are on the right track with moving forward in CM, the only thing I would suggest is that she is completely quiet during this time – only outside on a lead to relieve herself, and absolutely no steps. Really try to pay attention to the way she is feeling, and if she seems to be comfortable, I would keep at CM for a few months to see how the ligament is healing. I know how torturous this process can be, but CM does work, you just need to hang in there and be strong. Hopefully some other owners can share their experiences with CM with you on here, and be sure to keep us updated and let us know how your dog is progressing.
All the best!
We have a 9 year-old female pit bull who ruptured her cruciate this past winter. We’ve been doing CM and it’s been working pretty well to keep her pain down and still maintain a good quality of life. After almost 4 months of rest (which was torture for her!) we’ve been taking her swimming in the local river. About 30-45 minutes of solid swimming (I wade in so she’s not running up on the bank) seems to be a good amount about 3 times a week. That night I ice, stretch, and lightly massage her knee/leg and we let her rest the following day. It’s been great to get her muscle tone back in her leg and to allow her some physical activity that’s not putting a lot of stress on her knee.
Pitbull Rescue helped us out. They were only able to put in $150, but I was thankful for that. (there site is pbrc.net)
The estimate for our pitbull’s TPLO was $2800-3200. The total: $2238. We saved our stimulus check for the bulk of this. We got a credit card with a 6mo 0% rate for the rest.
hello, i am very interested in any opinions concerning our 6 year old black labrador retriever. Last week he jumped into our pool and came out holding up his right leg. we took him to the vet and they are saying he needs the TPLO surgery. he weighs about 77lbs and is in very good health otherwise. He does seem to be in pain and is a very active dog. I just cannot decide on what to do, and im afaid if we try the cm and wait, he may even end up worse off, plaease help!!
Hi. I have a 6 year old brindle boxer who tore his cruciate ligament about 2 1/2 months ago. He was playing in the backyard with 2 other dogs. When I got home, he was holding his leg up and would not put it down. At first, I thought he had just pulled a muscle, but I soon learned he tore his Cruciate. I took him to the specialist, but the surgery is $3000 dollars and recovery sounds like a nightmare. I am concerned because he is 6 years old and I don’t like the idea of a lengthy recovery or the thought of so many pain meds. I have been keeping him inside and off his leg as much as possible for about 6 weeks. He is doing much better, but I know he will just re-injure if we go to the dog park, or if I let him run and play like he wants to. I am not sure what the best option is, I just want him to enjoy life like he did before the injury. Any suggestions??
I have my puppy has plms of one leg she has legg perthes disease but if I not want her to have surgery so can she takes the dgp for hip so will help her walk better ? let me know thanks Mrs.Brust but which is best for her should have surgery or takes dgp?
I wanted to comment and thank the author, good stuff
Our almost 4 year old 130 lb dobe has been scheduled for TPLO . He has nursed a kne injury off and on for about two years and about 10 days ago while running , yelped and has carried the leg every since. I am scared to death of TPLO, but our vet says this is the only route to go with him. He is very active and a I just don’t know how we are going to restrict his activity for 6 weeks. If he has to stay off the bed that long, so will I.
Any thoughts?
Hello,
I have a 6 year old Newfoundland who has a torn ccl. I cannot afford the surgery. Is the conservative approach really an option for a dog that is 120 pounds? SHe is also on thyroid medication would any of these new weight lose drugs for dogs be a benifit ?
Thanks,
Kara
I have a 6 year old Pit Bull who tore her ccl in both her back legs. This was back in December. I have had her on rimadyl and cosequin ever since. Initially, I had to sling walk her because she could not walk at all putting pressure on her back legs. She would lay down to eat and I had to carry her everywhere. She is 85 pounds. Now, in April, she has substantially improved, but is still compensating for the use of her back legs and will never fully recover without surgery. I decided to bring her to an orthopedic surgeon who suggested the TPLO surgery or the “old fashioned surgery” which is almost half the price. She said short term, the TPLO surgery has a quicker recovery period, but after 6 months post surgery, she’s not convinced that the TPLO surgery is any better than the traditional route. If it is a partial tear, she can completely tear the ligament in the future and destroy the meniscus in both back legs. I know recovery is going to be difficult, but I would like her to go back to enjoying her 3 mile walks every nite. I guess for anyone who reads this and is contemplating surgery, the best way to make a decision is to consider your dog’s lifestyle (my girl is miserable not being able to go out walking and was quite athletic) and consider the amount of money it would cost for surgery now versus meds for the rest of their lives. For me, surgery is the most cost-effective, life-changing option and I intend on going through with the traditional surgery. I will update and let you know how it goes. Paws crossed!
I have a rottie-aussie mix dog. He is 2 years old and weighs 110 pounds. Last week we found out the he needs knee surgery. He seems to be doing good, we are not seeing any sign of pain, still runs around the back yard with our other dog. We try to make him rest, but find it hard to do so. Our main problem is that we do not have the money to do the surgery; with two small children and only one income 1200$ at the low end is not an option for us. What to do? I am strongly opposed to putting down a dog the is perfectly healthy otherwise. Should we just try to let the knee heal on his own? Any suggestions would be wonderful.
Thanks,
Sad and Confused owner fo a wonderful 2 year old
Tasha…you need to restrict your dog’s activity. He sounds like he has a partial tear. If he keeps running, he will completely rupture his CCL. My dog came back from a partial tear, but I tied him up for a month to the coffee table and only allowed him to go outside and to use the bathroom on leash. No running at all. You may need to separate the dogs for the time being. I promise you, the knee will not heal if he continues to run around. Restricted activity for at least a month. Restricting his activity is a better option than putting a dog down.
My boy Tyson is a very healthy and happy dog other than the cancerous tumor that is rapidly growing on his face. He is a six year old Olde English Bulldog who has Pitbull, Bullmastif, and Boxer in him. Apparently Boxers can generate a plethora of cancers. I cannot afford to biopsy the tumor and definitely cannot afford the surgery. Any help would be great. I am holding a fundraiser for Tyson that is tied directly with my birthday party this weekend. I am hoping for a good turnout so that I can afford to take care of my little boy Tyson. He is my life.
Hi everyone,
Thank you for all the stories, they definitely help when facing a TPLO. We want to do the surgery, but it is so expensive. I am in San Diego and they are quoting me $3700-$4000. I can’t see spending that much when many people get the same surgery done for almost $2,000 less! Does anyone know any places in San Diego or So.Cal that are affordable?? Thanks!
please email me if you do. cadet1821@aol.com.
My 1 1/2 yr old chocolate lab just injuried her CCL. The vet says he thinks she completely severed it but isn’t sure . There may be some left intact. He says she needs surgery to rpair it. It’s going to cost about 1200-1500. We are finaciialy strapped. Care credit is a good place for some people but not the best. I got turned down and alot of people i have talked to have also. I am waiting to hear from labradorlifeline, but it doesn’t look to good. Is there anything out there that we can do for her? We are just planning on getting her stitched back up and waiting. Down the road can the vet go back in and fix it? Like in a few weeks or so?
Lisa,
My 7 1/2 year old chocolate Lab is recovering from TPLO surgery. When she initially injured the ligament we got her on a plan including supplements, hydrotherapy, and physical manipulation. Unfortunately she still wound up needing the TPLO procedure. The Phycox and/or Synovi chews have really seemed to help before and after surgery. Also, if you would like a copy of a rehab plan that was given to me for care management (before we opted for the surgery) feel free to email me and I will pass it along to you. I hope your dog does well and best of luck.
russ@crystalvalley.com
I just wanted to share my experience with those of you trying to decide what to do with your dog’s torn ACL.
I have a three year old american bulldog who was about 95 lbs and fit, not fat. But since she was kind of a “weekend warrior” laying around during the week more than she should have been, she got hurt while playing with another dog. I was advised by my vet to wait and try rest and care management since it might be only partially torn (no x-ray). So long story short, not only was it fully torn, but she tore the other one within one month! Since then I have cut her food down and now she is barely 70lbs, with her ribs clearly showing. it has been seven months now and she has lost almost all muscle in her back legs. Since I can not afford two of the regular surgeries, much less two of the TPLO’s, I have been keeping her pretty inactive and just trying to help her manage pain through medication. She seemed to get along OK for quite some time, but now she has so much muscle loss that she is having a hard time getting around and a hard time relieving herself, and now there is a sick “clicking” sound when she walks, and she is obviously having a rough time. I assume that the clicking sound is further damage. Now I have a dog with the potential to live for another ten years, in pain and unable to do all those things dogs love, and a guarantee of arthritis later. SO…. my advice is that if your dog is a large breed, IMMEDIATELY get the knee fixed before the other one goes, and take the rehab seriously! I am most likely going to put my expensive, pure bred, beloved family pet down, I cant justify the money with a mortgage and three children, and I cant let her continue for ten more years in pain and increasing lameness. Here in NY state both surgeries are expensive, and she needs two procedures!
I went through two TPLO surgeries which were 6 months apart with my Catahoula mix three years ago (today he is 8 1/2 years old and weighs 75 lbs) when he tore both back ACL’s. Now I just found out my smaller 40 lb 3 year old Chow mix has torn both her back ACL’s. I am devastated (both emotionally and financially) to have to go through this again with another dog, but I have to say the TPLO surgery is the way to go if you want your dog to have any quality of life. I am able to put the charges on a 0% interest credit card and just pay if off over the course of a year, but still hard to do in this economy! Going through this now twice, I would recommend getting pet insurance.
Our 1 1/2 year old Bullmastiff, Mieka, tore her ACL. We have contacted 5 different surgeons to get prices and they have all recommended the TPLO due to Mieka’s age and breed. We will be taking her to the University of Madison Vet Hospital or a Milwaukee clinic. The problem is the surgery is going to cost anywhere from $3000-$4000. We did not have insurance on her before, but she does have it now (unfortunately it will not cover this surgery). How do we get assistance for the surgery? My husband and I have student loans and with the economy we are struggling. We want to do all we can for our pup, she is our child and we hate to see her hurting. Please help!!
first to stacy (dated 6/8/09) We just found out our 85lb 4 yr old rottie has to have one of these surgeries also and the breeder suggested checking out a vet in a smaller town as they might offer the services at a more reasonable rate than vets in a more urban area (doesn’t make sense to me but that was the recommendation of a seasoned breeder).
to everyone else thanks for all your great stories, it’s good to know (consoling anyway) we are not the only ones facing this difficult and costly decision…
My grandson’s dog was hit by a car last night, and is in need of emergency surgery. He is at the Vet. Hosp. awaiting available funds needed for his hips and pelvic surgery. Please help. He is 5 years old, and so very talented and sweet. So good with children. Please call Michelle at 763-222-8227 as soon as possible if you can help. We are a family of animal lovers and adopt unwanted pets, which turn out to be so special.
My lab had traditional CCL surgery on the left knee at the age of 4 which was 4 years ago. We paid about $1800 in NJ. He did very well after this surgery. Well just recently he injured his right knee at the dog park. He is 8 years old now and we think he may need another CCL surgery on his right knee. After the first surgery which I paid for myself, I decided to take pet insurance from VPI. There is a waiver on his left knee since this was pre-existing. They originally said the right knee would be covered as long as nothing happened within the first 12 months of coverage. That is where I am at right now. I will post the results once we determine if he does in fact need another CCL surgery, and then I will also post my experience with VPI insurance. This will be my first claim in 4 years of coverage and will really determine whether pet insurance was a good or bad decision. Stay tuned . . . .
I have a female pit bull who recently had a minor tumor removed from her back leg, after picking her up from the vet she was very wobbly which the vet told me was from the anastesia. My dog never recovered from this and has been completely paralyzed in her back legs for over three weeks now. After taking her to several other vets and giving her steroid treatments in both injection and pill form, I was told that she may need surgery due to a slipped disc. I have no idea what happened to her, she did not fall or have any blunt impact to her spine in my presence and the vet says he did not do anything. I do not know what to do now. She is 6 years old and still have a few more years left but she cannot get up, walk, go to the bathroom or even groom herself now and I do not have the money for surgery (was not approved for care credit either), is my only option to put her down? PLEASE ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. jennitravis@gmail.com
I have a 3 year old dalmatian/border collie mix,50lbs, that I rescued not too long ago. Almost immediately after I got her home she started to limp, favoring her hind right leg. Took her in for xrays and she has torn meniscus and partially torn ACL. I can’t afford the surgery as I am a graduate student and have already exceeded the vet costs that i thought I would need for the year. The rescue where I adopted her from has offered to attempt to raise the money for the surgery but I also need a place for her to recover for about4-6 weeks. The problem is that I live on the 2nd floor of an apartment building and those stairs come into play each and every time she has to go outside. I know she can’t recover in that living situation. Does anybody know any groups or organizations that house dogs recovering from surgery in southern California? I only want what’s best for my dog and I don’t want to continue walking her up and down the stairs on her bad wheel
what is moderation? i cant find my post on asking for financial assistance for my dog. Is it out there somewhere, or has it been denied? I love her so much that i will do anything for her even though i am on a fixed income and put it on a charge card. she is my service dog and she takes such good care of me that i would do anything for her. in CA it was 4500.00. Im sort of worried about paying it back, but she is far more important to me than money. It only took her a second to get injured, and I still cant believe it. I think she is getting better, but her knee or ankle (i cant tell which) cracks (like people do with thier fingers sometimes) when she gets up. I couldnt just wait to have her fixed because without her, i was nothing and nobody and doing less than existing. she has turned my life around, and it’s the very leat i can do for her. even if you cant help (i read all the other letters above), I will understand. I wouldnt have changed my decision for anything. She has changed my life so much I cant even tell you. I dont have an website and i hope it doesnt matter. My email is pjz52@yahoo.com
Please know that I am praying for all the dogs I read about above. Ive never asked for financial help until now. it is very hard to do. But Promise is worth it and 1000 times more. Im asking for her even though it will help me by putting my mind at ease. Also, the vet says she will need a shot in her muscle for the rest of her life that is expensive. I don’t know there is anyone out there who can help, but thank you for listening, and good luck with your dogs. I can tell that you love them as much as I love mine. PJ
Hi!
My Aussie, Buddy (8 yrs), slipped while running around the pool one week ago. He never yelped, but came up limping after continuing to run for another couple of minutes. He is still limping after one week. We took him to the vet and she said he has a torn ACL. He continues to lay on the affected leg, pushes himself up (slowly) with it and even stands on it to pee. We can’t afford the surgery right now as my wife is a college student. We have him on pain meds, glucosamine and rimadyl. If it was truly torn would he still be able to use it? He doesn’t seem to be in pain and there isn’t any swelling, he’s just linmping and favoring his right leg. I will get a second job to pay for the surgery, but not sure if it’s necessary. HELP!
For those of you that are confused about what to do. If your dog has snapped one ACL and you are not careful with them; then there is a high chance they will snap the other as well. I paid 2750.00. I got 3 opinions and all were very accurate. We just got TPLO surgery done on my American Bulldog/American Rott. She is 3 Years old and very active. She is 98lbs and I have to say this was the best thing ever. She is 3 weeks into recovery and things are looking better and better each passing day. Before she used to tip toe on her back legs and shifted all her body weight on the front two legs. She would waddle like a duck! Now she is walking with the right posture her legs are spread at equal distance and appears she is on her way to being a normal dog again. I love my dog and think this is the best thing for her. Most people think a leg will heal on it’s own. Let me clarify that statement; They don’t. No matter how much rest the dog has the ligament needs to be repaired or replaced if they are ever going to get to live normal lives again. The purpose of keeping the dog relaxed is so the pain becomes tolerable to the dog. What I didn’t see on this site was the mention of how severe the arthritis will get as the dog gets older. TPLO worked for me and my friend Tela. I would recommend you do it too! If you live in Houston Brookdale Animal Hospital is great. If you have a small dog less the 50 pounds there are alternatives that don’t cost half as much. I think the cost if between 4 and 8 hundred dollars. Hope this helps anyone. jlozano@xvand.com if you have any questions. I would be more than glad to share my experience with you.
Sorry I had a lot of corrections to make!!!!!
My cocker tore her ACL on 10-16-09. She is 13 years old. I rescued her off the streets 5 years ago. She is 30 pounds and is a house dog. The vet wants to schedule her for surgery and I scheduled for 10-19-09 in hopes that I would be approved for carecredit. I was DENIED. I had to cancel the surgery. I am very heart broken. She is putting the leg down very minimally when she walks around the home, but holding it mostly. The leg is popping. I can not afford the surgery. My vet said it would be approx $1000.00. I am single with a mortgage, working full time and going to school for my RN degree. It is so sad for me to know that I can not afford what my Maci (cocker) needs. She is wagging her tail and seems pretty happy. I need help with paying for her surgery. Please respond to crystalmsigmon@yahoo.com. My Vets office number is 704-333-3336 Monroe Road Animal Hospital, if you want to call and make a donation on my behalf directly to their office. My dogs name is Maci Lee Sigmon. HELP us, she is precious and very friendly. I have read all of the other blogs and I am very sorry for all the dogs. I know exactly how the owners feel. HELP!!!
I just found out that my 4 year old border collie (50lbs) tore her ACL. I am in San Diego and I am looking for a surgeon who charges a reasonable price. My vet said she would recommend TTA surgery over TPLO. TTA is a newer procedure which is less invasive and has a faster recovery time. Anyone have any information about procedure or a surgeon I would greatly appreciate it! I don’t mind driving a bit for a good surgeon at a reasonable price. My email is sej4sports@cox.net THANKS!!
Hi,
I need some help. I recently had to have surgery on my leg and just found out my dog is having sympathy pains and now requires to have ACL surgery. I can’t afford it and live in Carlsbad, CA. Doesn’t anyone have any advice? He is on pain medication right now, is an eleven year old Maltese. Please respond to Dee@GlobalHire.org
Thanks, Dee
My dog is 12 and needs tumor removal surgery, may or may not be cancer. I can charge but do not know how to make the payments in time before interest free time ends. I have sold a ring, asked for help with no avail. If annyone can help please do. Many organizations are out of funds. If anyone finds in their heart to help please email at chittumsh at aol.com . May you ever be blessed. I will pay forward when I can, that’s a promise. I do not want anyone to go thru this tough decision before me. I just lost one dog in May. I am disabled with a lot of medical bills. I am having to choose between my medical care to function and her life. My depression is mounting due to all this.