Luxating patella surgery in dogs costs $1,500-$3,000 per knee. The procedure deepens the groove where the kneecap sits and realigns the surrounding structures to prevent the patella from sliding out of place. Small breeds are most commonly affected, and bilateral surgery (both knees) is often needed.
A luxating patella is a kneecap that slides out of its normal groove, causing intermittent or constant lameness. It's graded 1-4: Grade 1 pops out occasionally but returns on its own. Grade 2 pops out more often and sometimes needs manual repositioning. Grade 3-4 is permanently displaced. Surgery is recommended for Grade 2 and above. Most common in small and toy breeds
The surgery involves multiple corrections: trochlear sulcoplasty (deepening the groove), tibial tuberosity transposition (realigning the attachment point of the patellar ligament), and sometimes soft tissue reconstruction. The specific combination depends on the grade and anatomy. Surgery takes 1-2 hours per knee under general anesthesia. Multiple corrections in one surgery
Per knee: $1,500-$3,000. Both knees: $2,500-$5,000 (some surgeons offer a discount for bilateral). Includes diagnostics (X-rays: $200-$400), anesthesia, surgery, hospitalization, medication, and follow-up. Board-certified surgeons charge more but have better outcomes, especially for higher-grade cases.
Recovery takes 6-8 weeks. Strict rest for the first 4-6 weeks — leash walks only. Gradual return to activity from weeks 6-8. Physical therapy can speed recovery. Follow-up X-rays at 6-8 weeks. Most dogs walk normally within 2-4 weeks, though full healing takes longer. Joint supplements recommended long-term. Full recovery in 6-8 weeks
Per knee. Bilateral surgery: $2,500-$5,000. Physical therapy adds $50-$100 per session.
Over 90% of dogs have good to excellent outcomes. Re-luxation occurs in about 10% of cases.
Surgery takes 1-2 hours per knee. Most dogs go home the same day or next morning.
Grade 2-4 luxation, progressive lameness, pain, or early arthritis development in the affected knee.
№02
Per knee.
Most comprehensive policies cover luxating patella surgery if enrolled before symptoms appear. Since it's classified as hereditary/congenital, confirm your policy covers these conditions. Some budget policies exclude all hereditary conditions. Diagnostics, surgery, and follow-up are typically included.
Many insurers impose a 6-month orthopedic waiting period for conditions like luxating patella. Any limping or skipping during this period permanently excludes the condition. Luxating patella often appears in young dogs — enroll before any lameness is documented.
At $1,500-$3,000 per knee, luxating patella surgery exceeds most deductibles. Bilateral surgery at $2,500-$5,000 makes insurance even more valuable. With a $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement, you save $800-$2,000 per knee.
Some insurers treat bilateral luxating patella as a single condition. If one knee was affected before enrollment, both knees may be excluded. Others treat each knee separately. Check your policy's bilateral condition clause before enrolling.
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