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How much should it cost for Knee Surgery on a 60 lb dog?

My dog (and Aussie) has been diagnosed with luxating patella on both his back legs.. they roughly guessed 1500 - 2000 dollars.(for each surgery) now it may have been close to 7 years ago that my maltese Mikey (may he rest in peace) had a knee surgery and it was 700, and the hip surgery he had 4 years ago was only 400 I can't believe the price would be almost double? Since the surgery on the small dog is actually harder to do than on a big dog. (they told me that at the time, that it was difficult on his little small bones and there was a possibility I could end up with a three legged dog depending on how bad the knee actually was) (FYI, Mikey's last surgery (the hip surgery) aggrivated his cancer (that they had found about 5 years earlier) and it wasn't long after recovery I had to have him put to sleep :( ) OH.. I forgot the most important part.. hearing "the best vets" charge more.. My vet told me " this guy isn't BOARD CERTIFIED, but he's been doing all her surgery @ her clinic for 11 years" Why would she think I would let a NON BOARD CERTIFIED SURGEON even work on my baby??

Public Comments

1. yea maybe 1000 buck im not sure
2. it depends on the vet. some vets do hike up their prices so dont be suprised!
3. A lot. You vet should be able to estimate the price.
4. Depends on the vet. Normal vets are usually less expensive than the Orthopedic specialists. We've done knees at my rescue for around 800-1200. It just depends on who does it and where you live in the country. The best surgeon in this area charges 1500. If it were my dog, I'd go for the best. All follow up visits were included and this guy is awesome. Good luck! EDIT: I agree with you on the certification. I wouldn't let anyone do that kind of surgery on any of my dogs (or our rescue's dogs) that wasn't certified. This is significantly more complicated than a simple spay or neuter. Sounds like you are doing your homework and will make a good, informed decision.
5. It completely depends on what the surgery is. My dog had a knee surgery 3 years ago that was a patented procedure so it cost about $2500. Patented procedures can only be done by a few surgeons that have to pay royalties to the inventors, so the price is high. My dog was also about 60 pounds, but I don't think the weight is the biggest issue, it's usually how invasive and difficult the surgery is. You can also call around to other vets. Some charge a lot less and may be able to help you with other options, at least more than your current vet.
6. That price seems about right since she is a big dog. The knee surgery also may be for a different problem, luxating patella is more expensive than an ACL surgery, which is what your other dog may have had. I had to have my dog's leg removed about 10 years ago, and back then the price was $250. Now, it is $800+ for an amputation on a dog his size. Prices have definently gone up.
7. My 25-26lb beagle swallowed a wooden cork and his surgery costed $2700 dollars, and the doctor bills were about $2000, so for your dogs knee surgery I would say about $5000 with the doctor bills and the operation.