Cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) is one of the most common orthopaedic problems seen in dogs. The disease process causes fraying of the ligament over time, which causes joint instability, inflammation and pain in the knee joint resulting in lameness that can vary in severity. The top of the dog’s shin bone is slanted back, which in absence of cranial cruciate ligament causes the thigh bone and shin bone to slide against each other.
The signs are subtle at first, but this disease is progressive and will always lead to tears and subsequent rupture of the ligament. In some animals (similarly to humans) a complete, sudden rupture can be caused by trauma. This disease can often affect both legs.
Initial signs:
Once the ligament ruptures, your dog will likely hold the affected leg up, unless the other back leg is also painful.
In an event of any lameness and/or injury, it is important to rest your pet and seek veterinary attention.
TPLO surgery is one of the most effective surgical treatments for CCLD. It is not possible to repair the damaged ligament, instead the surgeon will perform a curved cut on top of the shin bone and rotate the top of the bone so that the joint surface is near-parallel to the floor. This makes the knee joint stable despite the missing ligament. The rotated fragment is then fixed in place with the use of a metal plate and screws, so the bone can heal.
Most dogs begin using the leg again within a few days after surgery, though recovery is gradual. Some initial bruising and swelling are normal. A typical healing period is around
8–12 weeks and consists of initial strict rest period, followed by incremental increase in exercise. Most dogs return to full activity, including running and agility, once healing is complete. You will receive a post operative sheet and guidance upon discharge.
Hear from veterinary professionals and pet owners who rely on our team for seamless referrals, clear updates, and expert care.
I am so grateful to Northwest Referrals for operating on my dog who had IVDD of the neck for 10 weeks and was in a lot of pain.
We have been seen the next day, CT scan confirmed slipped disc already suspected after quick examination. Surgery was the same day, he has been recovering amazingly quick and well, his cut healed perfectly and we cannot thank all the team enough!
I honestly cannot rate this referral centre highly enough!
Had an MRI for my chihuahua. Results came back quickly. The vet was professional, and all the staff was very nice to us. The price was reasonable as well.
It’s always going to be expensive when it comes to being referred by your own vet. The great thing about Northwest Referrals is the costs are all up front.
If I could give 20 stars I would. I spoke to Amanda who was super helpful and gathered as much info as she could after speaking to the vets/surgeons.
We travelled from Birmingham… The bill was exactly what we had been quoted.
Not only were they a third cheaper, our assigned vet was professional and explained everything in detail.
We've streamlined our referral process to make advanced care accessible and efficient for your practice.
Your pet is seen by a named specialist who reviews their history and carries out a thorough clinical examination. We’ll discuss what we’ve found and what we recommend, in plain English.
Before any procedure begins, we provide a written, itemised estimate covering all costs: the procedure, anaesthetic, imaging, and follow-up. You’ll see exactly what you’re approving.
Once you confirm, the price is locked. We don’t add to it. If unforeseen clinical complications arise during a procedure, we discuss this with you before proceeding, we never present a surprise bill after the fact.

The prices below reflect the full cost of advanced-level diagnostics and treatment at our Wigan facility. Prices are shown all-inclusive of everything so what you see is what you get. No surprises. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
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£1,195
Includes sedation or GA, contrast, and report from European Diplomat in Diagnostic Imaging
£1,500
Includes sedation or GA, contrast, and report from European Diplomat in Diagnostic Imaging
£2,000
Includes sedation or GA, contrast, and report from European Diplomat in Diagnostic Imaging
Imaging
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This includes all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night).
Plus, a post operative CT scan
£3,995
Neurology
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This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
Bilateral TPLO
£4,800
£2,500
Orthopaedics
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night. If bilateral it is an extra £800.
£2,000
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
With CT Scan
£3,000
£1,995
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£1,995
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,000
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£1,295
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£1,800
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£1,000
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,500
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,000
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£1,800
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,000
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£3,000
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,500
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,500
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£800
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£500
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,500
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,000
Soft Tissue
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£1,495
Includes sedation or GA, contrast, and report from European Diplomat in Diagnostic Imaging
£1,895
For both brain or spine, this includes general anaesthetic.
Imaging
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This includes all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night).
Plus, a post operative CT scan
£3,995
Neurology
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This includes all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night).
Plus, a post operative CT scan
£4,500
Neurology
Click to toggle
This includes all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night).
Plus, a post operative CT scan
£4,500
Neurology
Click to toggle
This includes all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night).
Plus, a post operative CT scan
£4,500
Neurology
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(Double plate, Y fracture and angular limb deformity) This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£3,000
Orthopaedics
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This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
With a CT Scan
£3,000
£2,000
Orthopaedics
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This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, all implants, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£5,800
Orthopaedics
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(Pin, Wire, Plate and single plate) This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,500
Orthopaedics
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Cost
£4,000
Orthopaedics
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Cost
£3,800
Orthopaedics
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Cost
£2,000
Orthopaedics
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night. If Bilateral it is an extra £800.
£1,200
Orthopaedics
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£500
This includes sedation if needed and interpretation from a RCVS practitioner or a RCVS advanced practitioner in Cardiology
£500
This includes sedation if needed and interpretation from a RCVS practitioner or a RCVS advanced practitioner in Cardiology
£1,000
Full cardio work-up including x-rays, echocardiogram and consultation
Add-on CT Scan: £1,000
Imaging
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This includes all sedation (or general anaesthetic), as many views as needed.Including an interpretation from one of our 4 RCVS advanced practitioners
£595
Imaging
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Cost
Case dependent
Neurology
Whether you're a veterinary professional seeking specialist support or a pet owner looking for expert care, we have a clear pathway for you.