How much does cat eye removal surgery cost?
How much does cat eye removal surgery cost?
$500 – $2,000 simple surgery cost
$2,000 – $4,000 complex surgery cost
$1,200 – $3,000 bilateral surgery cost
Cat eye removal surgery cost
Cat eye removal surgery costs $500 to $2,000 per eye for a routine enucleation procedure in a general vet's office, provided no major complications occur. More complex surgeries involving removing tumors or repairing trauma require a specialty surgeon or veterinary ophthalmologist and cost $2,000 to $4,000. Bilateral surgery to remove both eyes costs $1,000 to $3,000.
| Case complexity | Average cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Simple surgery | $500 – $2,000 |
|
| Complex surgery | $2,000 – $4,000 |
|
| Bilateral surgery | $1,200 – $3,000 |
|
Most quotes for cat eye removal surgery include anesthesia and the surgical procedure, but may or may not include:
Pre-operative exam and bloodwork
Antibiotics and pain relief medications
Post-operative checkups
A protective cone for the surgical site
Some clinics might charge separately for anesthesia or exams, so always ask for an itemized estimate up front.
What affects the cost of cat eye removal surgery?
Several factors can affect the total cost of eye removal surgery for cats:
Case complexity: More advanced or severe eye conditions may require more involved surgical techniques and additional post-operative care, which increases costs.
Veterinarian expertise: Surgeries performed by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists or specialists generally cost more due to their advanced training and specialized equipment.
Pre-surgical evaluations: Diagnostics and bloodwork contribute to the expense but are necessary as they help assess your cat's overall health and prepare for surgery.
Anesthesia requirements: The required type and dosage of anesthesia depend on your cat's health status and the length of the procedure.
Post-operative care: Follow-up appointments, the possibility of complications, and any emergency care after the procedure may add additional costs.
Cat's age and health: Older cats or those with medical conditions could need extra monitoring, medications, or supportive care before and after surgery.
Number of eyes affected: The cost will be higher if surgery is performed on both eyes (bilateral) versus just one (unilateral).
What is enucleation in cats?
Enucleation in cats is a surgical procedure where a veterinarian removes one or, in rare cases, both of a cat's eyes. This operation is performed when the eye is so badly damaged or diseased that it cannot be saved or is causing chronic pain that cannot be controlled with medication.
Causes
The most common reason for enucleation surgery is severe trauma to the eye from accidents, fights, or other incidents. Other common reasons for eye removal include:
Eyes that do not respond to medical therapy and cause persistent discomfort or discharge
Tumors or cancers in or around the eye that threaten your cat's health or comfort
Uncontrolled glaucoma causing pain that doesn't improve with eye drops
Rare birth defects leading to a nonfunctional, painful eye
Symptoms
Before a vet recommends enucleation, affected cats often display these symptoms:
Watery or squinting eye, rubbing or pawing at the face, indicating eye pain
Thick, bloody, or pus-like discharge from the eye
The eye appears bulged, enlarged, or misshapen.
Loss of vision
Change in eye color, cloudy cornea, or white/blue haziness
Behavior changes, such as hiding, irritability, or reduced appetite
Diagnosis
Diagnosing the need for cat eye removal surgery involves several steps in which your veterinarian will confirm the problem and plan treatment. The following table shows costs for the most common diagnostic testing.
| Diagnostic step | Average cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial physical exam | $40 – $80 | General vet visit to assess symptoms and decide if further testing is warranted |
| Ocular exam (specialist) | $100 – $250 | In-depth eye evaluation, sometimes with slit lamp or ophthalmoscopy |
| Tonometry, Schirmer tear test, Fluorescein staining | $20 – $50 each | Eye pressure measurement, tear production assessment, and corneal injury detection |
| Cat bloodwork cost (CBC/Chemistry) |
$50 – $150 | Checks for underlying conditions, organ function, or infection |
| Cat X-ray cost | $100 – $250 | Used to check for fractures or bony tumors after injury |
| Cat ultrasound cost | $200 – $400+ | Used to check for hidden disease or confirm the presence and nature of lesions inside the eye |
Diagnostic costs may vary based on your cat's condition. Always request an itemized estimate for diagnostic procedures ahead of surgery.
Procedure
Cat eye removal surgery is performed under general anesthesia to keep your cat comfortable and pain-free. The veterinarian prepares the area, removes the affected eye and any damaged tissue, then closes the eyelids with sutures. The entire procedure takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours on average.
After the surgery, your cat is monitored during recovery and usually goes home the same day with medications and an Elizabethan collar. Most cats adjust quickly and return for a follow-up visit in 1 to 2 weeks to check the healing.
Recovery
Recovery from enucleation is straightforward for most cats, but home care is important:
After enucleation, most cats experience mild swelling and bruising around the surgery site that fades over several days.
Your veterinarian will prescribe pain medication, and you should give all medications as directed to keep your cat comfortable.
An Elizabethan collar needs to stay on at all times until your veterinarian confirms the healing is complete.
Sutures are generally removed at the follow-up visit 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, unless dissolvable stitches were used.
Keep your cat indoors in a calm, safe environment while they heal, and limit jumping or rough play until your veterinarian says it is safe.
Offer soft or warmed foods to encourage appetite if your cat is reluctant to eat.
Watch for excessive redness, swelling, discharge, or decreased appetite, and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of these issues.
Most cats return to their usual activities within 2 to 3 weeks after eye removal surgery. They adapt quickly to changes in vision by relying more on their sense of smell, hearing, and whiskers. You may need to make small adjustments at home, such as keeping furniture in familiar places or minimizing clutter, to help your cat move around with confidence.
Benefits and risks
Cat enucleation can benefit your cat by relieving ongoing pain, stopping infection or tumor growth, and helping them regain their comfort and activity. But no surgery comes without risks. The following table shows some of the benefits and potential risks to consider.
| Benefits | Risks |
|---|---|
|
|
Most cats adapt well to life with one eye. However, some cats may take longer to adjust to vision loss or experience temporary imbalance.
Alternatives
Not all eye conditions in cats require complete eye removal. In some situations, your veterinarian may suggest less invasive alternatives that could relieve discomfort, treat disease, or restore vision while preserving the eye whenever possible.
Mild infections, inflammation, or minor injuries may respond to prescription eye drops or oral medications instead of surgery.
Early-stage glaucoma can sometimes be managed with pressure-lowering drops, though long-term control is challenging.
For certain injuries or ulcers, specialized eye-saving surgeries (grafts or tissue repairs) may be an option.
If vision loss is from cataracts and the eye is otherwise healthy, surgery to remove the lens and insert an artificial one can restore sight. Cataract surgery for cats costs $2,500 to $5,500 per eye and is highly successful in suitable cases.
If the eye is severely damaged, infected beyond recovery, contains a malignant tumor, or is persistently painful without hope of regaining vision, vets often recommend enucleation as the most humane solution. Your veterinarian will guide you on which options are realistic based on your cat's specific diagnosis and comfort.
FAQs about cat eye removal surgery
Does insurance cover cat eye removal surgery?
Yes, most pet insurance plans cover enucleation if it is medically necessary and not a pre-existing condition. Always check with your provider about the specific pet insurance costs and coverage.
How long does cat eye removal surgery take?
For most cats, the entire surgery takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. This time includes preparation, anesthesia, the operation itself, and recovery room care. In cases where complications arise or additional procedures are needed, the process may take up to 2 hours or longer.
Does enucleation affect a cat's quality of life?
Most cats adapt very well to life with one eye. Once the painful or diseased eye is removed, cats often resume normal activities and remain pain-free. Their ability to jump, play, and hunt is rarely affected by the loss of one eye.
Is enucleation surgery ever recommended for dogs?
Enucleation is advised for dogs when the affected eye is blind, painful, severely injured, infected, or has cancer or another untreatable condition that cannot be managed with other therapies. The cost of dog eye removal surgery is similar to cats, but it may be higher for larger dogs or those with more complicated medical needs.
Questions to ask your vet
Ask your vet these important questions about your cat's eye issues:
What exactly is causing my cat's eye problem, and could it affect the other eye?
Are there alternatives to eye removal surgery for my cat's condition?
How urgent is surgery, and what are the risks if we wait or try other treatments?
Is this surgery simple or complex for my cat, and who will perform it?
What are the potential risks and complications of the procedure?
What should I expect during the surgery, and how long will my cat be under anesthesia?
How will my cat's recovery be managed at home, and how long does healing take?
What signs or symptoms should prompt me to call or come back right away?
Will my cat need to see a specialist, or can this be done at your clinic?
How will vision loss change my cat's quality of life, and how can I help them adjust?
What is the total estimated cost, including surgery, medications, and follow-up care?
Is this surgery covered by my pet insurance, and what paperwork do I need?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.