A torn cruciate ligament is one of the most common knee injuries in dogs. It usually needs surgery, and it is one of the highest vet bills a family can face.
Key facts
- At a university vet hospital, the extracapsular technique costs €700 and a TPLO, TTA or wedge osteotomy €1,200.
- The price includes up to 24 hours of observation and two check-ups with bandage changes and X-rays, but not the anaesthetic.
- Petplan reimburses 100% up to €3,100 a year if the injury is not pre-existing.
Reference prices (2026)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Cranial cruciate ligament: extracapsular technique | €700 |
| Cranial cruciate ligament: TTA, TPLO or wedge osteotomy | €1,200 |
| Luxating patella | €850 |
| Implant removal (plates) | €230 |
What makes the price vary?
The technique the surgeon chooses for the dog’s size and activity, its weight, which changes the anaesthetic price, tests beforehand and rehabilitation. If the surgery is an emergency, this hospital adds a 25% surcharge.
How much does Petplan cover?
Petplan Spain reimburses 100% of the invoice up to €3,100 a year, with a €45 co-payment per illness or accident, at the vet of your choice. It does not cover pre-existing conditions or preventive care, and there are waiting periods of 15 days for accidents and 30 days for illness.
The policy includes surgery carried out by the vet to treat an injury or illness. If the knee already had a problem before you took out the policy, it is a pre-existing condition and is not covered.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a TPLO cost in total?
At this hospital, for a large dog (25-45 kg): €1,200 for surgery, €200 for inhalation anaesthesia of up to 2 hours and €30 for the pre-anaesthetic assessment. €1,430 in total, without prior tests.
What is the difference between the extracapsular technique and TPLO?
The extracapsular technique stabilises the knee with a suture outside the joint; TPLO changes the angle of the tibia with a cut and a plate.
Sources
- Veterinary Hospital of the University of Zaragoza, 2026 public prices (VAT included).
- Petplan, health insurance general conditions (in Spanish).
See also: cost of anaesthesia, cost of an X-ray, cost of hospitalisation and real cost of the vet in Spain 2026.
Indicative prices. Spain has no official price scale and each clinic sets its own fees: these are the public prices of a university veterinary hospital, and other clinics may charge differently.
