FAQs

TPLO has a low over all complication rate when perforemd by an experienced surgeon. The two most common complication which we encounter is surgical site infection. Despite strict aseptic technique 2% of TPLO cases in our hospital will develop an infection at the surgical site. The bacteria create a biofilm on the implants which is resistant to antibiotics. To cure the infection we may have to remove the implants which necessitates another surgery. This surgery is charged at a flat rate of $2,000. Implant removal happens at 12 weeks after the tibia has achieved osseous union (healed). The surgery is still a success with the stifle stabilized and the patient able to resume normal activity levels a few weeks later.

Other complications after TPLO are rare and are usually avoided through having an experienced surgeon operate on your dog.

Complications can include:

• Fragmentation of the tibial plateau
• Fracture of the tibial tuberosity,
• Implant failure
• Over rotation of the proximal tibial fragment (leading to stress on the caudal cruciate ligament)
• Under rotation of the proximal tibial fragment (incomplete stabilization of the stifle joint)
• Iatrogenic damage to intra-articular structures (meniscus, caudal cruciate ligament)
• Tibial fracture through the distal jig pin hole
• Bleeding from the popliteal artery
• Damage of the articular cartilage of the tibial plateau by proximally orientated screws in the minor tibial fragment
• Anesthetic death
• Poor healing of the bone
• Patella tendonitis
• Patella tendon laceration
• Arthritis
• Late meniscal tear
• Allergic suture reaction
• Seroma formation
• Bleeding or bruising of the surgical site
• Angular limb deformity
• medial patella luxation
• lateral patella luxation

In our hospital we charge an all-inclusive price for TPLO surgery

• small dogs (<40lbs) the cost is $4,450 (6+ hole plate)
• medium dogs (<70lbs) the cost is $4,450 (6+ hole plate)
• large dogs (70lbs -100lbs) the cost will be confirmed after surgery depending on plate size.
• extra-large dogs (>100lbs) the cost is $4,450. (8+ hole plate) - $5,950 (9 hole Jumbo plate)

The cost of TPLO surgery will vary based on your geographic location or the hospitals pricing strategy. In Northern California in The Silicon Valley, we have seen estimate for $10,000 not including follow up care. The lowest price we have heard of is $3,000 (2020). Besides the geographic location affecting the price you also have to be sure you are comparing apples with apples. We believe in transparent pricing. We provide you with an up-front estimate which includes all you recheck visits and radiographs. We strive to deliver the best patient care, every patient, every time and include many extras to ensure your pet has the best experience. For pain relief on the day of surgery we administer an epidural. To continue to manage their post-surgical pain we inject Nocita (a 72hr local anesthetic) around the incision. To keep infection rates low we wrap the surgical limb in Ioban, later we cover the incision with a Tegaderm dressing. To reduce bruising and swelling in our patients' limbs, we treat with cold compression therapy after surgery or place a supportive bandage on the limb for 24-48hours. Hospitalization over night after surgery is included.