Cruciate Repair - Lateral Suture
Aproximate Cost:
$1,800 - $2,300
What It Is
A lateral suture repair is a surgical technique used to stabilize the knee joint after rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), the canine equivalent of the ACL in humans. The procedure involves placing a strong suture material outside the joint to mimic the function of the ligament, holding the joint stable while scar tissue develops to provide long-term support.
Why It’s Performed
This procedure is typically performed in small to medium-sized dogs or in patients where advanced procedures like TPLO or TTA are not necessary or appropriate. The goal is to restore knee stability, reduce pain, and allow the pet to return to normal activity. Without surgical stabilization, cruciate ligament injuries lead to chronic pain, lameness, and arthritis.
Risks Involved
Potential risks include infection, implant loosening or breakage, persistent lameness, or recurrence of instability. Over time, some dogs may still develop arthritis in the affected knee, although the surgery significantly reduces progression compared to no repair.
Typical Recovery Time
Most pets begin bearing weight within a week after surgery. Strict activity restriction is required for 6–8 weeks to protect the repair. Controlled rehabilitation exercises are introduced gradually. By 3–4 months, most dogs return to comfortable daily activity, though high-impact activity may be limited.
Our Approach
At Howard County Animal Hospital in Ellicott City, MD, we perform lateral suture cruciate repairs with precision and a focus on long-term mobility. Our goal is to make advanced orthopedic care accessible and affordable to families in our community, while providing clear estimates so pet owners can plan for the cost of care with confidence.
*Not recommended for pets over 40 lb
We are committed to offering affordable surgery options with transparent pricing. The cost shown are general estimates only, and a personalized estimate will be provided after your consultation.
We accept all major credit cards, Zelle, and cash. For clients interested in payment plans, we also work with CareCredit.
What’s Included in Our Surgical Costs
Our surgical prices are designed to be as transparent as possible and include:
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All charges typically associated with the day of the procedure
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Preoperative exam the day of the procedure
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Anesthesia and monitoring required throughout the procedure
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All perioperative injectable medications administered before, during and after the procedure to keep your pet safe and comfortable
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IV catheter and fluids to maintain vascular support during your pet’s surgery and recovery
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Detailed discharge instructions for at-home aftercare
What’s NOT Included in Our Surgical Costs
The following items are not included in the surgical costs and may be recommended or required depending on your pet’s individual needs:
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Pre-operative diagnostic workups to determine the underlying problem (e.g., bloodwork, radiographs, ultrasound)
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All diagnostics associated with your pet's procedure would be included (e.g. orthopedic surgery requiring post-operative radiographs, cystotomy with stone analysis).
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Pre-anesthetic blood work
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Optional for healthy pets under 3 years old for routine procedures, but recommended to help ensure the safety of anesthesia.
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Radiographs (X-rays) associated with diagnosing or planning the procedure
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Medications to take home (such as pain meds, antibiotics, sedatives or safety collars).
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If needed: Continued care at a local ER for monitoring and stability, recommended for unstable and sick patients.
We will discuss all recommended or required services with you in advance so you have a complete understanding of your pet’s surgical plan and costs.