(Extracapsular Repair)

PRICING

• Extracapsular Repair (DeAngelis) under 10kg $2,300
• Extracapsular Repair (DeAngelis) over 10kg $2,400

What’s Included in Our All-Inclusive Surgical Package:

We’ve designed our pricing to be transparent, affordable, and all-inclusive—so you’re not caught off guard by unexpected costs later. Our surgical bundle includes:

      ✅ Surgical consultation upon admission with our veterinary team

      ✅ The surgery itself, performed by experienced veterinarians

      ✅ Take-home medications directly related to the procedure (e.g., pain relief, antibiotics)

      ✅ Post-operative appointments to monitor healing and recovery

      ✅ Follow-up radiographs and/or ultrasounds, if required, to assess surgical success

The only item not included is post-operative sedation, which may be required. If sedation is recommended for your pet’s comfort or safety at home, we’re happy to provide an individual estimate.

At Moreton Bay Vets, we’re proud to offer Extracapsular Repair (DeAngelis) — a highly effective surgical solution for dogs suffering from a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear.

One of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs is a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)—the canine equivalent of an ACL injury in humans. This ligament helps stabilize the knee joint (stifle), and when it's damaged, it can cause significant pain, lameness, and long-term joint deterioration.

DeAngelis surgery, also known as the Lateral Suture Technique, is a well-established surgical method to stabilize the knee after a cruciate ligament rupture, particularly in small to medium-sized dogs. This technique uses a strong, sterile suture placed around the outside of the knee to mimic the function of the damaged ligament.

From Diagnosis to Surgery: What to Expect

1. Initial Consultation and Diagnosis

Your pet’s journey begins in the consultation room. If your dog is showing signs of hindlimb lameness, difficulty rising, reluctance to play, or a sudden limp, a cruciate ligament injury may be suspected.

During the exam, the veterinarian will:

• Take a full history of the injury and symptoms

• Perform a physical examination, focusing on the affected limb

• Use specific orthopedic tests (like the cranial drawer test or tibial thrust test) to assess knee instability

In many cases, sedation or light anesthesia may be needed for a more accurate examination due to muscle tension or pain. X-rays are often recommended to rule out other joint issues (like fractures or arthritis) and to evaluate the degree of inflammation.

2. Surgical Admission and Preparation

Once a cruciate ligament rupture is confirmed and surgery is recommended, we’ll schedule your pet for DeAngelis surgery.

On the day of surgery:

• Your dog will be admitted in the morning after a period of fasting (no food from 8pm the night before).

• Pre-anaesthetic blood tests may be performed using our in-house blood machines to ensure your pet is fit for surgery.

• Your dog will receive pain relief and sedation, followed by general anesthesia.

• The surgical area is clipped and cleaned under sterile conditions.

During surgery, a strong synthetic suture material is placed around the fabella (a small bone behind the femur) and through a hole drilled in the tibia (shinbone). This suture holds the joint stable while scar tissue develops to permanently support the knee.

3. Recovery and Post-Operative Care

Post-operative care is essential for a successful outcome. Here’s what to expect:

• Hospital Stay: Most dogs go home the same day or stay overnight depending on their comfort and recovery.

• Pain Management: Your dog will be sent home with a tailored pain relief plan, including anti-inflammatories and possibly antibiotics.

• Restricted Activity: Your dog will need to rest and avoid running, jumping, or playing for about 6–8 weeks. Controlled leash walks and crate rest are crucial.

• Rechecks and Suture Removal: We’ll schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing and remove skin sutures around 10–14 days post-op.

• Rehabilitation: After the initial rest period, we may recommend rehabilitation exercises or physiotherapy to help restore strength and mobility.

Full recovery typically occurs over 8–12 weeks, though improvement is often seen much sooner.

Why Choose DeAngelis Surgery?

The DeAngelis technique has a long track record of success, particularly in dogs under 20 kg. Benefits include:

• Proven success rate in small and medium-sized dogs

• Less invasive than some bone-altering procedures (like TPLO)

• More affordable option for many pet owners

For larger dogs or those with advanced joint changes, alternative surgeries like TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) may be recommended. Our Veterinarian's will help guide you to the best option based on your pet’s size, age, lifestyle, and overall health.

If your dog is showing signs of knee pain or lameness, early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing long-term joint damage. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get your dog back on the path to a comfortable, active life.

Why We Bundle Our Surgical Pricing

We believe quality veterinary care should be affordable and stress-free. By bundling the full surgical journey into one straight-forward price:

      💡 You avoid unexpected add-on fees

      💰 You get excellent value for a comprehensive surgical care package

      💬 You know exactly what to expect—before, during, and after your pet’s procedure

This unique approach allows us to provide high-quality care at a fair, accessible price, without compromising on the comfort or safety of your pet.