Cat ACL Tear

Cat TPLO Surgery

Lisa in Troy, NC asks:
"I have a neutered male Maine Coon that is 17 months old and he blew his knee out on his left hind leg.

The vet said the cost was $6,193.00 for the TPLO surgery.

Has anyone experienced this with their cat and would it be possible to have him heal without the surgery?"

Oof. A sudden back-leg injury and a surgery quote the price of a used car is enough to make any pet parent's stomach drop.

Let's look at what this usually means, why costs run so high, and what real-world options people try when facing a cat ACL tear.

Quick Answer

A torn ligament in the back leg is often labeled an ACL tear, though vets call it the CCL.

Surgery is usually the gold standard, but it isn't the only path forward. Some can manage with rest, pain control, and modified activity.

Others may need surgery for lasting comfort. With a $6,000+ estimate, it's smart to explore all angles - other procedures, payment help, and conservative care - before making a decision.

What a TPLO Really Is (Short Version)

TPLO stands for tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. It's an orthopedic surgery designed to stabilize the joint and allow pain-free movement again.

In dogs, it's common. In felines, it's less routine, but still performed—especially on larger or heavier breeds.

The procedure requires specialized equipment, plates and screws, and a trained surgeon. That explains part of the sticker shock, even before hospital costs get added in.

Why It Costs So Much

That $6,193 quote isn’t unusual. Here’s where the number comes from:

• Board-certified surgeon fees
• Advanced anesthesia and monitoring
• Steel plates, screws, and sterile operating room
• Hospital stay, pain medication, and rechecks

It adds up quickly. Think of it as a bundled service where every minute of specialist time and every piece of equipment is billed.
It feels overwhelming, but that’s the reality of modern orthopedic care.

Is This Common?

In smaller pets, ligament tears are rare. But bigger, athletic breeds - especially those who leap off furniture like Olympic long-jumpers - do get them.

It's not as common as in dogs, but it does happen. Owners often notice toe-touching, favoring a leg, or sudden limping after a jump.

Alternatives to TPLO

TPLO isn’t the only surgery out there. Some surgeons may recommend:

• Lateral suture repair (more common in small animals)
• TTA (tibial tuberosity advancement), though less frequent in cats
  These may come with lower price tags, depending on the clinic. Always ask if the surgeon offers options besides TPLO, and what the expected success rates are.

Paying for an Expensive ACL Tear Repair

This is where most owners get stuck. Six thousand dollars isn’t pocket change. A few routes to explore:

• Payment plans: Some clinics offer in-house plans or partner with CareCredit, Scratchpay, or similar services.
• Teaching hospitals: Vet schools often run specialty clinics at reduced rates. In North Carolina, NC State Veterinary Hospital is a good place to ask.
• Local shelter clinics: Some animal shelters or humane societies host ortho clinics or have relationships with lower-cost providers.
• Charitable funds: Programs like RedRover Relief, The Pet Fund, and Waggle can help cover big bills.
• Community help: Crowdfunding can be stressful but often works best when friends, family, or community groups rally behind a known pet.
• Breeder connections: If your cat came from a breeder, ask if they have a vet partner or discounted rates through long-term relationships.

Even if none of these covers the full cost, combining a few can bring the price down enough to make surgery possible.

If You Go Forward With Surgery

Recovery means weeks of rest in a small space, a cone, pain meds, and rechecks.

Food and water need to be close by, and the litter box should be low-sided. The first month is the toughest, but most owners who manage it say it was worth it when their pet went back to climbing and running comfortably again.

Share Your Experience

Lisa is hoping to hear from others who've been through this.

Did you try strict rest? Did you opt for TPLO or another procedure?

What did it cost in your area, and what did recovery look like? Add your story below!

Real-world voices are what make these Q&A pages so valuable.

Disclaimer: This page is for community discussion and shared experiences. It is not veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of any health concerns.

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