VetCostCalc

Dog ACL Surgery Cost in Maine (2026)

Vet costs in Maine are right at the national average. Dog ACL (CCL) surgery costs $1,800 for traditional repair to $3,800 for TPLO — the gold standard for active and large dogs.

Dog ACL Surgery Cost in Maine (2026)

Procedure Maine
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy)
Gold standard; best for active/large dogs
$3,800
TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement)
Alternative to TPLO; similar outcomes
$3,200
Traditional (Lateral Suture Repair)
Best for small or older/less active dogs
$1,800
Post-Op Rehabilitation
Physical therapy, hydrotherapy; 6–12 weeks
$800
Surgery prices include orthopedic consultation, anesthesia, the procedure, and basic follow-up X-rays. Rehabilitation is billed separately.

TPLO vs. Traditional Repair: Which Does Your Dog Need in Maine?

TPLO ($3,800) — recommended for:

  • • Dogs over 30 lbs
  • • Young, active dogs
  • • Dogs you want back to full activity
  • • Most board-certified surgeons' first choice

Traditional ($1,800) — appropriate for:

  • • Dogs under 20–25 lbs
  • • Senior dogs with low activity levels
  • • Budget-constrained situations
  • • Dogs with other health conditions limiting surgery time

What Affects ACL Surgery Cost in Maine?

Surgery type

TPLO and TTA involve cutting and repositioning the tibia — more complex, but better outcomes for active dogs. Traditional lateral suture uses a synthetic implant and costs $2,000 less in Maine.

Dog size

Larger dogs require longer surgery, more anesthesia, and larger implants. A 100-lb dog may cost 20–30% more than the average shown above for Maine.

Specialist vs. general vet

Board-certified veterinary surgeons in Maine charge more than general practice vets, but TPLO and TTA are complex procedures that benefit from specialist training. Most referral hospitals in Maine charge $3,420–$4,180 for TPLO.

Pre-surgical workup

Orthopedic consultation, pre-op X-rays, and bloodwork add $300–$600 before the surgery itself. These are usually billed by the specialist at the first appointment in Maine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does dog ACL surgery cost in Maine?

Dog ACL (CCL) surgery in Maine costs $1,800–$3,800 in 2026 — right at the national average. TPLO runs $3,800; traditional lateral suture runs $1,800. Rehabilitation adds $800 over 6–12 weeks.

Will pet insurance cover dog ACL surgery in Maine?

Most accident and illness pet insurance policies cover ACL (CCL) surgery if the injury occurs after the waiting period — typically 14 days for orthopedic injuries. At $3,800 for TPLO in Maine, insurance reimbursing 80% saves $3,040 after your deductible. Note: if one knee is already torn, many insurers exclude the other knee.

How long is recovery from dog ACL surgery in Maine?

TPLO recovery in Maine takes 8–12 weeks of restricted activity followed by 4–8 weeks of progressive rehabilitation. Dogs are typically back to light activity at 10–12 weeks and full activity by 16–20 weeks. Traditional repair has a similar timeline but with slightly slower bone healing.

Can a dog recover from ACL tear without surgery in Maine?

Small dogs (under 20 lbs) sometimes recover adequately with strict rest and physical therapy, though outcomes are variable. For dogs over 30 lbs in Maine, surgery is strongly recommended — without it, chronic pain, severe arthritis, and permanent lameness typically develop. The joint also stresses the opposite knee, leading to a second CCL tear in 30–40% of dogs within 2 years.