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How Much Does Luxating Patella Surgery Cost for Dogs?

Last Updated on May 31, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

If your veterinarian has diagnosed your dog with luxating patella, or a dislocating kneecap that pops out of place, surgery may be recommended to correct the issue and prevent further joint damage. But this orthopedic procedure often comes with a significant price tag ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 or more depending on the severity of the condition, location, surgical techniques, and other factors.

This detailed guide breaks down the typical costs, variables that impact pricing, financing and insurance options, age and alternative treatment considerations, cost-saving tips, real-world case studies, and more. Read on for a comprehensive overview of what goes into the investment when your dog requires luxating patella repair surgery.

Highlights

To summarize the key considerations for budgeting for your dog’s LP surgery:

  • Luxating Patella surgery costs range between $1,500 to $5,000+
  • Severity grade of luxation and dog size impact fees
  • Geographic location affects pricing
  • Advanced surgical techniques are more costly
  • Pet insurance and financing can offset expenses
  • Timing surgery at 6-18 months is ideal
  • Conservative management may avoid surgery in mild cases

How Much Does Luxating Patella Surgery Cost?

If recommended by your vet, here are the typical costs that go into budgeting for your dog’s luxating patella surgery:

Pre-Operative Expenses

  • Initial consultation and exam – $50 to $100
  • Diagnostic tests like x-rays, MRI – $200 to $500+
  • Pre-operative bloodwork panel – $50 to $150

Day of Surgery Expenses

  • Surgeon’s fees – $800 to $2,500
  • Anesthesia and monitoring – $150 to $300
  • Overnight hospitalization and care – $200 to $400

Post-Operative Recovery Costs

  • Pain medications – $50 to $100
  • Anti-inflammatories and joint supplements – $50 to $100
  • 2-3 Follow up vet visits – $100 to $300
  • 4-8 weeks of physical therapy – $200 to $600
  • E-collar, crate, knee brace – $50 to $200

Total Surgical Cost Range – $1,500 to $5,000+

Higher grades of luxation, larger dogs requiring more extensive repairs, and geographic location lead to pricing on the higher end.

According to Pawlicy, the surgery to treat patellar luxation in dogs can cost between $1,000 and $5,000. The article mentions that the cost depends on factors such as location and who performs the procedure, with board-certified veterinary surgeons typically charging more due to their advanced training and experience.

A Reddit thread on r/dogs provides insights from users’ personal experiences. One user mentions that the surgery is likely to cost somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000 per knee, with an average of around $2,500 in their area.

Dogs Naturally Magazine also cites the cost of luxating patella surgery to be in the range of $1,500 to $3,000 per knee. The article suggests avoiding surgery if possible, as it can be costly and carries risks of complications.

Surgery Vet is a veterinary surgical practice that offers luxating patella surgery. While they do not explicitly state the cost on their website, they mention that radiographs required for post-surgery healing confirmation at eight weeks are an additional $200.

MetLife Pet Insurance provides information on luxating patella in dogs, stating that the surgery costs can reach $5,000 per leg. The article emphasizes the importance of pet insurance in covering the potentially significant costs associated with this condition and its treatment.

Factors Impacting the Cost of Surgery

Several variables contribute to the overall price of surgical repair for a dog’s dislocating kneecap:

  • Severity grade of the luxating patella (1-4 scale)
  • Size of the dog – larger breeds require more anesthesia medication and more invasive techniques
  • Geographic location and the individual vet clinic’s rates
  • Additional complexities like arthritis or other orthopedic issues that need addressing
  • Surgical techniques and methods utilized by the orthopedic veterinary surgeon

The more intense surgical intervention required for higher grades of luxation or large dog breeds also results in higher cost surgery and associated expenses.

What is Luxating Patella in Dogs?

Luxating patella is a condition in which the kneecap (patella) partially or fully dislocates from its normal position in the groove of the knee joint, causing pain, instability, and lameness. It is most prevalent in smaller dog breeds like Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, Yorkies, Maltese, and Pomeranians.

Signs of a luxating patella include:

  • Lameness and sudden limping or holding the hind leg up
  • Visibly observing the kneecap move out of place
  • Difficulty standing up or resistance to extending the leg
  • Loss of muscle mass in the affected leg over time
  • Reluctance to run, jump, or climb stairs

To diagnose luxating patella, veterinarians perform a physical exam and assess leg conformation, conduct orthopedic manipulations, order x-rays, and potentially an MRI to evaluate the severity of dislocation and joint changes. Cases are graded on a 1 to 4 scale, with higher grades indicating a more pronounced dislocation of the kneecap and greater joint laxity.

How to Reduce Surgery Costs

Luxated PatellaTo make the significant investment in corrective surgery for your dog’s luxating patella more affordable, consider these cost management strategies:

  • Research and apply for pet insurance to potentially cover 50% or more of surgical expenses, minus deductibles
  • Inquire about CareCredit financing offered through most veterinary clinics to pay over 6, 12, or 18 months
  • Ask your vet about any discount programs or financial assistance they offer
  • Look into non-profit organizations that provide financial aid for pet surgery based on financial need
  • Get estimates from several orthopedic veterinary surgeons for cost comparison, as pricing can vary
  • Start physical therapy as soon as limping begins to possibly stabilize the kneecap temporarily and avoid worsening

Proper planning, research, and financing can significantly curb the costs of surgery and aftercare for your dog’s luxating patella repair.

You might also like our articles on the cost of slipped disc surgery, dog hernia surgery, or broken leg surgery.

Best Age for Luxating Patella Surgery

Most veterinarians recommend scheduling corrective surgery between 6 months and 12 months of age once the puppy is done growing but before osteoarthritis develops and causes permanent change to the joint structures. This also allows the dog to heal faster and return to normal function sooner than waiting until older ages.

Some vets may advise waiting until the dog is skeletally mature around 12-18 months old before operating to ensure the puppy’s growth plates have closed and limb conformation is established. Discussing the ideal timing with your vet is important.

Non-Surgical Alternatives

For very mild low-grade cases of luxating patella, the following more conservative management options may be attempted initially to stabilize the kneecap and see if surgery can be avoided:

  • Using leg wraps, compression socks, or knee braces to provide external support and keep the kneecap temporarily contained. However, this does not address the underlying ligament laxity causing the issue.
  • Keeping the dog at an optimal lean body weight to minimize stress on the joints. Excess weight exacerbates LP.
  • Prescription anti-inflammatory medications to control pain and swelling.
  • Joint supplements like glucosamine to protect the cartilage.
  • Doing at-home range of motion stretching, massage, and strengthening exercises.
  • Working with a canine physical therapist on specific therapeutic exercises.
  • Limiting activities like running, jumping, and steep stairs that put strain on the knees.

However, while these conservative options may provide temporary relief in mild cases, most moderate to severe luxating patella often does ultimately require surgery to fully stabilize the kneecap and prevent recurring dislocations and arthritis.

Prevent Luxating Patella From Progressing

You can help prevent a new or existing mild luxating patella diagnosis from worsening over time and requiring the extensive surgery by:

  • Keeping your dog lean and fit to avoid excess stress on the knee joints.
  • Doing simple range of motion and strengthening leg exercises at home. Consult your vet or physical therapist for the appropriate motions.
  • Using a supportive brace, sleeve, or strap on the knee during periods of higher activity to help stabilize the joint.
  • Limiting high-impact exercise like jumping on/off furniture or playing fetch.
  • Monitoring your dog for changes in gait or limping and having it assessed quickly.
  • Providing joint supplements.
  • Maintaining an optimal weight.

Early intervention when symptoms first develop offers the best chance of avoiding progressive LP and the eventual need for surgery if the condition is caught in time.

Luxating Patella Surgery Cost Examples

To better understand the typical total costs of surgical repair based on the dog, here are two real-world scenarios:

Small Breed with Mild Luxation – Conservative Repair

Maya, a 2-year-old Chihuahua mix weighing 10 lbs, exhibits a mild intermittent skip when running. Her vet diagnoses Grade 1 LP. The surgeon performs a simple lateral imbrication procedure without grafting.

  • $90 pre-op exam and X-rays
  • $1,100 surgeon and hospital fees
  • $60 joint meds
  • $50 follow up visit
  • $1,300 total

Large Breed with Severe Luxation – Complex Repair

Samson, an 80 lb Labrador Retriever, is limping constantly. His vet diagnoses severe Grade 3 LP. The surgery involves deep capsular reefing, tibial crest transposition, and TightRope grafting.

  • $350 for diagnostics
  • $3,800 surgeon fees
  • $250 hospital stay
  • $100 physical therapy
  • $4,500 total

The extent of surgical work needed significantly impacts overall costs. Open communication with your vet is key.

Final Words

With proper financial planning and advice from your vet, the costs of this common orthopedic procedure are manageable for giving your dog a lifetime of healthy function.

Frequently Asked Questions

See quick answers to some additional common questions about LP surgery below:

What is the typical recovery time after luxating patella surgery?

Generally 1-2 months of very restricted low-impact activity, with a gradual return to normal function over 2-4 months. Full recovery can take 4-6 months or longer.

What are the signs my dog needs luxating patella surgery?

Persistent obvious limping, visually observing the kneecap moving out of place regularly, loss of thigh muscle mass, inability to stand or play normally, and severe osteoarthritis visible on x-rays often indicate surgery is required.

Is it possible to treat a dog’s luxating patella without surgery?

In mild cases, conservative management like leg wraps, physical therapy, medication, weight control, activity restriction, and supplements may help stabilize the kneecap and delay surgery, but moderate to severe LP often ultimately requires surgery.

How should I care for my dog in the weeks following LP surgery?

Strict rest and confinement, medications as prescribed, very limited potty walks on leash, no free running or stairs, enforced reduced activity, physical therapy when directed by the vet, and cone to prevent licking the incision site. Keeping movement minimal allows proper healing.

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