MPL surgery
At Bayside Animal Hospital, we offer advanced MPL surgery performed by board-certified veterinary surgeons with an all-inclusive, transparent price. From your first consultation to your pet’s full recovery, we’re here to provide professional care, expert advice, and long-term joint health support.
What is a Medial Patella Luxation (MPL)?
Medial Patella Luxation is a common condition where the kneecap (patella) slips in and out of its natural healthy position.
Naturally, the kneecap sits in a groove in the femur and remains stable. In a pet affected by MPL, the kneecap may move side to side. This stops affected animals from properly extending the knee joint.
This condition can also wear down both the patella as well as the supporting cartilage and the ridge it moves over. When this happens, it causes pain and can trigger progressive osteoarthritis.
For this reason, early treatment is important to minimise the risks.
Other names include:
- Floating kneecap
- Slipping kneecap
- Luxating patella
- Patellar luxation
- Patellar instability
- Patella dislocation
- Knee subluxation
- Kneecap dislocation
- Bilateral MPL (when both knees are unstable)
All-Inclusive MPL Surgery
At Bayside Animal Hospital, we offer specialist-level MPL surgery with full transparency. Our capped-price package covers everything you need from consultation to recovery—no weight limit, no hidden fees.
- $4,390 One Knee
- $6,000 Both Knees (<18kg)
- Surgery by board-certified veterinary surgeons
- No body weight limit
- Guaranteed surgery within 7 business days
- Same-day discharge
- Trusted partners: Animal Specialists & VSOS
Comprehensive MPL Care Package (6–8 Weeks)
Our all-inclusive approach gives you peace of mind. From the initial consult to post-op care, everything needed for a successful outcome is built into the price. We aim for predictable costs and exceptional care for both dogs and cats.
- All phone, in-person & follow-up consultations
- Pre-anaesthetic blood tests
- General anaesthesia and advanced pain management
- MPL surgery performed by a board-certified specialist
- Local anaesthetic blocks during surgery
- Post-surgery X-ray on the same day
- Bandaging, e-collar, pain relief, and antibiotics (up to 1 week)
- Recheck at 3 days
- Recheck + suture removal + first Synovan injection at 14 days
- Final recheck at 6–8 weeks including sedated X-ray
Why Choose Bayside MPL Surgery?
We offer a capped, all-inclusive price that covers everything from pre-op testing to post-op checkups, so you’ll never be surprised by hidden fees. With no weight limits, prompt surgery availability, and a caring team that puts your pet’s comfort first, we make the entire process smooth, transparent, and stress-free—for both you and your pet.
Performed by Specialist Surgeons
Carried out by board-certified veterinary orthopaedic experts
Compassionate Recovery Support
Thoughtful aftercare and personalised home recovery guidance
No Weight Limit
Suitable for small, medium, and large breeds
All-Inclusive Pricing
Transparent fixed cost with no hidden fees
Ready to get started?
Reach out to us to arrange a complimentary phone consultation with our vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your dog is limping, favoring one hind leg, or showing signs of pain during activity, it could be a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)—similar to an ACL injury in humans. TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery is often recommended when a CCL tear is confirmed through physical exam and X-rays. Your vet may suggest TPLO if your pet suffers from a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL).
Most dogs begin bearing weight on the operated leg within a few days. However, full recovery takes about 8-10 weeks, with controlled activity and rehab exercises. Your vet may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the leg and improve range of motion. It’s important to follow all post-op care instructions to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
Yes, although it’s much less common than in dogs, cats can suffer from cranial cruciate ligament injuries. These usually happen due to trauma or degenerative changes. Symptoms in cats may be subtle—like reluctance to jump, limping, or decreased activity. If you notice any of these signs, have your cat evaluated by a veterinarian.
- Cruciate ligament injuries are more common in medium to large-breed dogs, especially overweight dogs or those with poor hind limb conformation. Breeds like Labradors and Retrievers are more prone. It, however, can affect all breeds.
- Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) tends to affect small breed dogs like Pomeranians, Maltese, Yorkies, and Chihuahuas, though large breeds can be affected too. Pets with a history of slipping kneecaps or abnormal hind leg alignment are at higher risk.
Surgery is typically recommended when:
- The ligament or joint injury is severe or complete.
- Your pet shows ongoing lameness, instability, or pain.
- Conservative management (like rest, meds, or physical therapy) hasn’t helped.
- There’s a high risk of arthritis or long-term joint damage without intervention.
Your vet will assess your pet’s condition and recommend the best course of action based on size, age, activity level, and overall health.
Recovery from Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) surgery typically takes 6–8 weeks. During this time, activity needs to be restricted—usually starting with crate rest and short leash walks. Your vet may recommend physical therapy or at-home exercises to help rebuild strength and improve knee stability. Most pets return to normal activity with improved comfort and mobility.
Some discomfort is expected after orthopedic surgery, but your veterinary team will use pain medications, anti-inflammatories, and sometimes nerve blocks or local anesthetics to keep your pet comfortable. Most pets experience significant relief from their pre-surgery pain as they heal. Always monitor your pet and contact your vet if you notice signs of pain, swelling, or changes in behavior during recovery.