Patellar luxation is one of the most common knee problems in small dogs. When the vet recommends surgery, it helps to know what the price includes and what is billed separately.
Key facts
- At a university veterinary hospital, patellar luxation surgery costs €850 and the tibial crest procedure €600.
- The price includes up to 24 hours of observation and two check-ups with dressings and X-rays, but not anaesthesia or the pre-operative assessment.
- Petplan reimburses 100% up to €3,100 a year if the injury is not pre-existing.
Reference prices (2026)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Patellar luxation | €850 |
| Tibial crest | €600 |
| Orthopaedic consultation | €60 |
| Pre-operative assessment (without lab tests) | €30 |
| Inhalation general anaesthesia, 2 hours (dog 10 to 24 kg) | €120 |
| Implant removal (pins) | €150 |
What makes the price vary?
The size of the dog and the technique make the difference. Two hours of inhalation general anaesthesia is billed separately and ranges from €70 for a cat or small dog of 0 to 9 kg to €320 for a dog over 45 kg. If the surgery is done as an emergency, the list adds 25% to the price.
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 covers the surgery the vet performs to treat an injury or an illness. If the kneecap had already been diagnosed before the policy started, it is a pre-existing condition and is not covered. Treatment intended to prevent injury is not reimbursed either.
Frequently asked questions
Does the surgery price include anaesthesia?
No. The 2026 public price list states that surgery does not include the pre-operative assessment or anaesthesia. The pre-operative assessment without lab tests costs €30, and two hours of inhalation general anaesthesia costs €120 for a dog of 10 to 24 kg.
How much does it cost to remove the implants afterwards?
Implant removal is billed separately: €150 for pins and €230 for plates.
Sources
- Veterinary Hospital of the University of Zaragoza, 2026 public prices (VAT included).
- Petplan, health insurance general conditions (in Spanish).
See also: cost of cruciate ligament surgery, cost of hip surgery, cost of an X-ray 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.
