How much does a torn cruciate ligament cost in a dog?
Cruciate ligament tears are a common injury in dogs and can be very expensive. Dog owners should not take this injury lightly and act quickly to avoid long-term damage to the animal. In this article we will discuss how much a torn cruciate ligament in a dog costs and which insurance companies can cover the costs.
What is a torn cruciate ligament in dogs?
The anterior cruciate ligament in the dog's knee joint is an important structure that stabilizes and supports the knee. If it tears or becomes damaged, it can cause pain, swelling and lameness. A torn ACL can be caused by either a traumatic event such as a fall or by chronic overuse of the joint.
How much does it cost to treat a torn cruciate ligament in a dog?
The prices for treating a torn cruciate ligament in dogs can vary greatly depending on the treatment method and the veterinarian. Dog owners face a number of expenses, including:
- Surgery: Surgery is often the preferred treatment option for a torn ACL. Fees can range between 2,000 and 4,000 euros, depending on the specialist and the severity of the injury. Intracapsular surgical methods such as thread reins (Meutstege, according to Flo) are the cheapest options and cost around 1000 EUR. Unfortunately, such care is often only advisable for small dog breeds. You have fewer additional costs with extracapsular ligament replacement methods such as the ZLig procedure, as the follow-up costs of physiotherapy are lower. But here too, our experience shows that the area of application depends individually on the patient's requirements.
- Aftercare: Several doctor visits are required after surgery to monitor the healing process. The costs can range between 200 and 500 euros.
- Medication: Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications can incur additional costs of around 50 to 100 euros.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is often necessary to help the dog recover. The costs can range between 30 and 60 euros per session.
In total, dog owners can expect expenses of up to 4,500 euros if they use all treatment options.
If you're afraid of this, you may also ask: What happens if you don't operate on a dog's cruciate ligament tear? We provide information about this in the following article.
Which insurance companies cover this treatment?
Dog owners can reduce or fully cover the out-of-pocket cost of treating a torn cruciate ligament by taking out dog health insurance or dog surgery insurance. Dog health insurance covers outpatient and inpatient treatment costs as well as surgical costs. Dog surgery insurance only covers surgery costs.
Purchasing insurance can ease the financial burden associated with treating a torn ACL for dog owners. However, insurers differ in which conditions they have to meet and how much they reimburse veterinary costs. It is therefore important to compare several tariffs before deciding on an insurance policy.
FAQs
What is a torn cruciate ligament in dogs?
A cruciate ligament tear is an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in the dog's knee joint that can cause pain, swelling and lameness.
How much does it cost to treat a torn cruciate ligament in a dog?
The fees for treating a torn cruciate ligament in a dog can vary greatly depending on the treatment method and the veterinarian. Dog owners face a range of costs, including surgery, follow-up care, medication and physical therapy. In total, the costs can be up to 4,500 euros.
Does insurance cover the costs of treating a torn cruciate ligament in a dog?
Yes, dog health insurance or dog surgery insurance can reduce or completely cover the costs of treating a torn cruciate ligament. However, it is important to compare multiple plans before choosing insurance.
What are the symptoms of a torn cruciate ligament in dogs?
The symptoms of a torn cruciate ligament in dogs include pain, swelling and lameness. The dog may also limp or not put any weight on the affected leg.
How can you prevent a cruciate ligament tear in your dog?
A torn cruciate ligament in dogs cannot be completely prevented. However, dog owners can reduce the risk of injury by using seat belts in cars or by using non-slip flooring in rooms with slippery floors.
Conclusion
A torn cruciate ligament in a dog can be a serious injury that can cost dog owners dearly. Treatment costs can vary greatly depending on the treatment method and veterinarian, and dog owners can expect to pay a range of fees. However, it is possible to reduce the financial burden by purchasing dog health insurance or dog surgery insurance. It's important to compare multiple plans before choosing insurance to get the best coverage possible.