DATA-BACKED GUIDE · UPDATED JULY 2026
TTA vs TPLO: the cost difference for cruciate surgery in the UK
If your dog has torn its cranial cruciate ligament, you may have been offered a choice between a TPLO and a TTA, two operations that do a similar job in different ways. The names are baffling and the price difference is not always obvious. This guide explains both, and the bills below show what owners actually paid.
The quick version
- TPLO and TTA are both bone-cutting surgeries that stabilise the knee after a cruciate rupture.
- TPLO is the more commonly performed today and is often quoted for larger or more active dogs.
- Cruciate surgery can cost up to £5,000 according to the CMA's 2026 work, with specialists at the top end.
- The surgeon's experience, and whether you see a specialist or a first-opinion vet, affects price as much as the technique.
What people actually paid
The gap: advertised vs actually paid (medians)
People reported paying 5% less than the advertised list price for cruciate / tplo.
List prices are advertised prices; paid figures are what people reported, often for different cases and from a small sample so far. Treat the gap as a signal, not a quote.
Real prices, in people's own words
- £2,000“Our dog (45kg Newfoundland) had a TTA for her completely ruptured cruciate, which was about £2,000”
- £2,700“Mines was £2700 with 1 video call & 1 face to face follow up”
- £3,500“the surgery was £3.5k, vet carried out the surgery and we took out a payment plan”
- £3,750“For a dog over 25kg it was £3,750”
- £3,750“For a dog over 25kg it was £3,750... covered everything”
- £5,000“TPLO surgery for our cat was £5k”
Genuine amounts posted publicly. We publish the price and the quote, never the person.
Why the price varies so much
Both operations change the mechanics of the knee so the torn ligament is no longer needed, but they cut different bones and use different implants, which feeds into the cost. The bigger drivers, though, are who does it and where. A board-certified orthopaedic specialist in a referral hospital charges more than a general practice vet who does the occasional cruciate. Your dog's size matters, since larger dogs need bigger implants and longer anaesthetics. Aftercare, follow-up x-rays and physiotherapy all add to the headline surgical fee, and corporate-owned referral centres tend to sit around 18.3% above independents.
How to pay less
- Ask your vet which technique they recommend and why, then get a second quote from another practice or referral centre.
- Check exactly what the quote includes: implants, hospital stay, follow-up x-rays and rechecks are sometimes extra.
- If cost is a barrier, ask whether a lateral suture technique is suitable, as it is often cheaper for smaller dogs.
- Confirm your insurance limit before booking, because cruciate work can approach £5,000 and eat a whole year's cover.
Common questions
Is TPLO or TTA better for my dog?
Neither wins outright; they suit different knees. TPLO is the more widely used today and is often favoured for large, active dogs, while TTA can be a good fit for certain joint shapes. Your surgeon will recommend one based on your dog's anatomy, size and the x-rays, so ask them to explain the choice.
Why does cruciate surgery cost so much?
It is major orthopaedic surgery. You are paying for advanced imaging, a lengthy anaesthetic, specialist implants, the surgeon's training and a careful recovery programme. The CMA found this kind of surgery can reach £5,000, particularly at referral hospitals with specialist teams.
Can I just have the cheaper option?
You can discuss cheaper techniques such as a lateral suture, which can work well for small dogs. For a large, athletic dog, though, a cut-price approach that fails means a second surgery, so the cheapest option is really the one that lasts. Weigh the upfront saving against the risk of redoing it.