Looks like we'll need to get my dog's cruciate ligament repaired in the near future. My regular vet's specialist surgeon isn't making rounds due to the virus. Looking for a good recommendation on a local or somewhat local vet/surgeon who can due the TPLO (more than likely) surgery. My vet is referring me to Central Texas Specialists in Round Rock, but the pricing may prevent us from doing it there. Have no idea if $3,500-$4,000 is standard or not. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Have no idea what they would charge, but I highly recommend Dr. Kautz at Crestview Veterinary clinic. He's an Ag (big surprise).

Cross post on Outdoors. Lots of vets there. That does not sound outrageous high

I agree, I need to post there as well. The pricing may not be high, I just have no idea what to expect. My experience with that particular specialist group was pretty pricing but I was dealing two dogs back to back with liver cancer/disease.

Billy Foster said:

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Looks like we'll need to get my dog's cruciate ligament repaired in the near future. My regular vet's specialist surgeon isn't making rounds due to the virus. Looking for a good recommendation on a local or somewhat local vet/surgeon who can due the TPLO (more than likely) surgery. My vet is referring me to Central Texas Specialists in Round Rock, but the pricing may prevent us from doing it there. Have no idea if $3,500-$4,000 is standard or not. Any feedback would be appreciated.

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We've had both of our weimaraner's knees done at CTVSH. Dr. Kerpsak did both, and he did a fantastic job. Each surgery ran about $3300. It's not cheap, and you have to decide what makes the most sense for you, but that hospital is one of the best around, and they will do a good job. 3-3500 is going to be pretty standard in Austin, more than likely. You might able to get it done at A&M cheaper. Dr. Boogs on the Outdoor Board can give you better info on that.

CTVSEH is the best place. I trust them with all of my dogs. I have known the founding vets since they came to Austin. Great people!

Specialists have gotten very proud of their work. Buddy has had both ACLs on his lab done. One six years ago at 2500 and the other a year ago at 3000. Same doctor, same clinic same operating room. And that supposedly was after a loyal customer discount.

And the Vet school charges retail now so that is not an option unless you just want to. They stopped discounting years ago after they figured out they got the same amount of demand regardless of price.

Good luck

Thanks for the feedback guys. I know that CTVSH is great, just had know idea about pricing as I'm ignorant to this sort procedure. I think I also subconsciously associate it with the ER rates since that's when I'm normally there.

That's outrageous that something doesn't cost the same as it did six years ago. ACL's are also not widgets and the complexity of the repair isn't uniform with each.

Billy Foster said:

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Thanks for the feedback guys. I know that CTVSH is great, just had know idea about pricing as I'm ignorant to this sort procedure. I think I also subconsciously associate it with the ER rates since that's when I'm normally there.

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You've probably already heard this, but odds are you're going to end up having to have the other one done in a couple of years. I think it's like 50-60% of dogs end up tearing the other one.

Yeah, that's what I read and my vet mentioned it as well. I'm wondering if it would be considered a pre-existing condition (for the other leg) since this was a traumatic tear, not a hereditary/degenerative issue. I've never had pet insurance but may need to look into it again. We got too many dogs.

Billy Foster said:

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Yeah, that's what I read and my vet mentioned it as well. I'm wondering if it would be considered a pre-existing condition (for the other leg) since this was a traumatic tear, not a hereditary/degenerative issue. I've never had pet insurance but may need to look into it again. We got too many dogs.

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I had this recommended for my Beagle a fews years back. Spoke with another vet who suggested crating the dog for a month and then very limited activity for a month. The Dog was fine after that, lived for 8 more years and never had another problem. Saved me a ton of money.

I am a vet in Austin and full disclosure, these two guys are my friends. They are excellent board certified surgeons and they have a mobile practice - will come to your regular vet's clinic. If any of my dogs end up needing a TPLO I will use one of them. If you end up talking to them tell them that Rachel Hays sent you!

https://tploaustin.com/

Thanks Rachel, I found and contacted these guys a couple days ago and I am awaiting a response. They seem to have very good reviews as well.

Great! Hope it works out for you and your dog.

Did surgery with Allman on our Brittany a little over a year ago. Great results and by far the most economical.

SteveBott said:

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Cross post on Outdoors. Lots of vets there. That does not sound outrageous high

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It's not. We were just quoted 4k.

JAW3336 said:

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Billy Foster said:

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Yeah, that's what I read and my vet mentioned it as well. I'm wondering if it would be considered a pre-existing condition (for the other leg) since this was a traumatic tear, not a hereditary/degenerative issue. I've never had pet insurance but may need to look into it again. We got too many dogs.

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I had this recommended for my Beagle a fews years back. Spoke with another vet who suggested crating the dog for a month and then very limited activity for a month. The Dog was fine after that, lived for 8 more years and never had another problem. Saved me a ton of money.

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It's my understanding that dogs under 35 pounds or so can recover from torn ACL without surgery.

Correct smaller dogs can get away with it. Ours is 70 and will need it. Spoke with Allman of TPLO Austin based off the recommendations above and he will more than likely be doing ours out of RR Animal Hospital in a week or two. He typically travels to different vets but with the virus shutdowns, he's limited to just there. $3k and includes all imaging, surgery and meds. Also, his stance on the rehab was more realistic than other vets that I spoke with. My dog escapes from any crate you put him (even at the vet) and would more than likely end up hurting himself further we tried to crate only for two weeks. I'd give him a call for a second opinion (if north of the river). His partner covers south Austin.

aginlakeway said:

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JAW3336 said:

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Billy Foster said:

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Yeah, that's what I read and my vet mentioned it as well. I'm wondering if it would be considered a pre-existing condition (for the other leg) since this was a traumatic tear, not a hereditary/degenerative issue. I've never had pet insurance but may need to look into it again. We got too many dogs.

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I had this recommended for my Beagle a fews years back. Spoke with another vet who suggested crating the dog for a month and then very limited activity for a month. The Dog was fine after that, lived for 8 more years and never had another problem. Saved me a ton of money.

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It's my understanding that dogs under 35 pounds or so can recover from torn ACL without surgery.

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That makes sense. Thanks for clarifying.

aginlakeway said:

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JAW3336 said:

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Billy Foster said:

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Yeah, that's what I read and my vet mentioned it as well. I'm wondering if it would be considered a pre-existing condition (for the other leg) since this was a traumatic tear, not a hereditary/degenerative issue. I've never had pet insurance but may need to look into it again. We got too many dogs.

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I had this recommended for my Beagle a fews years back. Spoke with another vet who suggested crating the dog for a month and then very limited activity for a month. The Dog was fine after that, lived for 8 more years and never had another problem. Saved me a ton of money.

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It's my understanding that dogs under 35 pounds or so can recover from torn ACL without surgery.

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I wouldn't agree with that statement. I've seen plenty of small breed dogs that didn't have surgery struggling a few years later due to arthritis. Now the type of surgery for smaller dogs can be different (extracap vs tplo) which drops the price significantly.