How much does ACL surgery cost for dogs in NZ?

Cruciate ligament surgery for dogs in NZ costs $4,000-$7,000 depending on dog size and procedure type (TPLO, TTA, or lateral suture).

Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs: ACL Surgery & Insurance NZ 2025

Cruciate ligament injuries (often called ACL tears) are one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. This painful condition usually requires surgery and significant aftercare, making pet insurance coverage essential.

Symptoms of ACL Tear

• Sudden lameness in hind leg
• Holding leg up, not bearing weight
• Swelling around knee joint
• Pain when knee is touched
• "Clicking" sound when walking
• Muscle atrophy in affected leg

Surgery Options & Costs in NZ

TPLO Surgery: $5,000-$7,000

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy - gold standard for larger dogs

TTA Surgery: $5,000-$6,500

Tibial Tuberosity Advancement - alternative to TPLO

Lateral Suture: $2,500-$4,000

Extracapsular repair - suitable for smaller dogs under 20kg

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Full recovery takes 12-16 weeks and includes:

• 8-12 weeks restricted activity
• Physiotherapy sessions ($60-$120 each)
• Pain medication ($50-$100/month)
• Follow-up vet visits ($80-$150 each)
• Total rehabilitation cost: $1,000-$2,500

Pet Insurance Coverage

Cruciate ligament surgery is covered by most NZ pet insurance policies:

• Southern Cross: Covers ACL surgery up to $15,000/year
• SPCA: 90% coverage on Big Stuff plan, $25,000 limit
• AA Pet Insurance: 80% coverage for surgery and rehab
• Cove: Up to $50,000 coverage on Complete plan

Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs