Your Dog Tore Their CCL. Here's Exactly What Happens — And What It Costs.
LifeCare Pet Hospital has performed 900+ TPLO surgeries in Chantilly, VA. One all-inclusive price. Surgery available within 1–2 weeks. No surprise bills.
900+
TPLO Surgeries Performed
189 Miles
Farthest Patient Traveled
1-2 Weeks
Typical Scheduling Window
Performed by Dr. Sudhir Ahluwalia, DVM, PhD — LifeCare Pet Hospital, Chantilly, VA 20152
Everything Included in Your TPLO Price at LifeCare Pet Hospital
Initial consultation with education, visual aids, and case review
Sedated diagnostic x-rays to confirm CCL rupture and assess bone geometry
Pre-operative bloodwork (same-day when appropriate)
TPLO surgery by Dr. Sudhir Ahluwalia, DVM
Multi-hour post-surgery recovery observation before discharge
Discharge with written home care instructions
Access to LifeCare's video exercise portal — weekly rehab tutorials for every stage of recovery
10–12 day incision and gait check (in-person or via photo/video submission)
8-week sedated radiograph recheck — confirms bone healing before return to full activity
No surprise add-ons. No 'that's not included.' One price covers the full episode of care.
Most Pet Owners Searching for TPLO Surgery Get the Same Runaround
They call a specialty hospital. They're told it's $7,000–$10,000, and surgery is 6–8 weeks out. They get a quote sheet with a dozen line items they don't understand — and they're expected to decide on the spot.
That's not how LifeCare Pet Hospital works.
Dr. Ahluwalia has performed over 900 TPLO surgeries right here in Chantilly. The price is transparent, the schedule is fast, and you'll know exactly what's included before you ever commit to anything.
Pet owners come to us from South Riding, Ashburn, Aldie, Centreville, Reston, Herndon, and as far as 189 miles away — because they found a practice that treats them like adults.
Your Dog's Recovery Doesn't Stop at Discharge
Most practices hand you a printed sheet and send you home. We give you a structured, week-by-week rehabilitation video library built specifically for TPLO recovery.
Each video walks you through the exact exercises your dog needs at each stage — from strict rest in Week 1 to controlled walks in Weeks 3–6 to full return-to-activity in Weeks 8–12.
You'll know what 'normal healing' looks like — and when to call us. Included in your all-inclusive package. No additional cost.
What to Expect: From First Call to Full Recovery
Here's how the TPLO process works at LifeCare Pet Hospital — from your first appointment through the 8-week recheck:
Step 1 —
Consultation Dr. Ahluwalia walks you through the diagnosis using visual aids and surgical animations — not a 5-minute verbal summary. You'll understand what TPLO does, why it's the right approach, and what to expect before you agree to anything.
Step 2 —
Sedated Diagnostic X-Rays Light sedation allows precise x-rays to confirm the CCL rupture and measure the tibial plateau angle — the geometry Dr. Ahluwalia uses to plan the exact cut for your dog's anatomy.
Step 3 —
Pre-Op Bloodwork Same-day bloodwork clears your dog for anesthesia. When timing is appropriate, we move directly from consultation to surgery — eliminating extra trips and keeping your dog comfortable.
Step 4 —
TPLO Surgery Dr. Ahluwalia levels the tibial plateau and stabilizes the joint with a bone plate and screws, permanently eliminating the instability caused by the torn ligament. The surgery typically takes 45-60 minutes.
Step 5 —
Pain Management. Your dog wakes up more comfortable — without relying on heavy systemic medications.
Step 6 —
Recovery Observation + Discharge Your dog stays with our team for several hours post-surgery until they're stable and comfortable. Discharge includes written care instructions and activation of your video recovery portal account.
Step 7 —
10–12 Day Gait Check A quick check-in — in person or via photo/video submission — to confirm incision healing and early gait improvement. This step matters: catching small issues early prevents bigger problems.
Step 8 —
8-Week Sedated Radiograph Recheck At 8 weeks, we take sedated x-rays to confirm complete bone healing. Once cleared, your dog is officially approved to return to normal activity. This is included — not billed separately.
All-Inclusive TPLO Pricing — LifeCare Pet Hospital
Under 50 lbs
$4,300
50-75 LBS
$4,450
75-100 LBS
$4,600
100+ LBS
$4,780
All prices cover the full episode of care from pre-op bloodwork through the 8-week radiograph recheck. Payment plans available — ask at your consultation.
Compare this to specialty hospital quotes. Theirs are usually itemized — bloodwork, pain management, recheck, and rehabilitation billed separately. Our all-inclusive price is what the full process actually costs.
Why Waiting Makes This Worse
A partial CCL tear will become a full tear. When it does, the secondary damage accelerates:
-Meniscal tears — the cartilage pad inside the knee gets shredded by instability
-Progressive arthritis — joint damage that begins within weeks of the original injury
-Chronic pain — compensating posture creates secondary injuries in the hips and spine
-Opposite leg rupture — 40–60% of dogs tear the other CCL within 1–2 years due to overcompensation
Every week without surgical stabilization is a week of compounding damage. The dogs that recover best are the ones that get to surgery fast.
What others are saying
"This was the best place for her to have the procedure"
Roxie was seven years old when she underwent TPLO surgery, and I truly believe this was the best place for her to have the procedure. She did exceptionally well with no complications. Now at eight years old, you would never know she had surgery—her recovery has been remarkable. I highly recommend this facility. The staff and surgeon were incredibly caring, compassionate, and professional throughout the entire process.
- Tracy
"The TPLO surgery and recovery were extremely successful"
We were lucky to have found Life Care Pet Hospital for TPLO surgery on our 100lb Shepherd after interviewing four DVMs. Dr 'A' proved an expert. We quickly accepted his reasonable estimate and recommended surgery timeline. Our dog did well in post surgery rehab and had no complications. Our GSD wasn't in pain after surgery and for the most part, he didn't want medications. He's recovered his mobility as we hoped, and has about 95% agility. There are certain athletic movements that he can't do anymore, but the TPLO surgery and recovery were extremely successful. Thank you Dr A and your most pleasant staff for your help!! 🙏 Sincerely. John
- John
"Did an Incredible Job"
8 year old Golden Retriever from Virginia Beach, need a rear TPLO operation to repair her Achilles. They were able to fit us in ASAP, versus waiting for weeks back home. Did a incredible job and monitored her for 2 months post procedure. I would send anyone to them, they do great work and keep answering your questions.
- Richard
Ready to Get Your Dog the Help They Need?
LifeCare Pet Hospital has performed over 900 TPLO surgeries in Chantilly, VA. Surgery is typically available within 1–2 weeks. The pricing is all-inclusive. There are no surprises. Call or request a consultation — and get clear answers before you commit to anything.
Common Questions
Can you do the consultation and surgery on the same day?
Yes — for clients traveling long distances, same-day consult and surgery is an option when the surgical schedule allows. Call ahead and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Why is the price all-inclusive instead of itemized?
Because broken-out pricing creates false comparisons. Bloodwork, pain management, the 8-week recheck, and rehab support are part of the procedure — not optional extras. Our price reflects what it actually costs to do this right
Is TPLO the right surgery for my dog?
TPLO is the gold standard for CCL repair in dogs over 15 lbs with a 95–97% documented success rate. Dr. Ahluwalia will confirm candidacy using diagnostic x-rays at your consultation. If TPLO isn't appropriate, he'll tell you.
How long until my dog recovers?
Most dogs start weight-bearing within days of surgery. Full bone healing is confirmed at the 8-week x-ray recheck. Return to normal activity typically happens between 8 and 12 weeks, depending on the dog.
Do you accept CareCredit or payment plans?
Yes. Ask about available payment plan options when you call or at your consultation.
Do you coordinate with my regular vet?
Yes. We send complete surgical records and discharge notes to your primary care vet. We work as a referral-friendly practice — not a replacement for your existing veterinary relationship.