How much does dog eye removal surgery cost?
How much does dog eye removal surgery cost?
$500 – $2,000 simple surgery cost
$2,500 – $4,000 complex surgery cost
$1,200 – $3,000 bilateral surgery cost
Dog eye removal surgery cost
Dog eye removal surgery costs $500 to $2,000 for simple cases performed by a general vet and with no complications or additional treatments. Complex surgeries preformed by a veterinary ophthalmologist cost $2,500 to $4,000 for dogs with severe eye conditions or poor health. Bilateral surgery to remove both eyes costs $1,200 to $3,000, depending on the complexity.
| Case type | Average cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Simple surgery | $500 – $2,000 | Straightforward eye removal surgery by a general veterinarian, involving no complications or additional treatments |
| Complex surgery | $2,500 – $4,000 | More complex surgery by a veterinary ophthalmologist, involving advanced diseases, tumors, infections, or underlying health issues |
| Bilateral surgery | $1,200 – $3,000 | Removal of both eyes, typically performed when both eyes are affected by severe disease or injury |
These surgical prices typically include anesthesia and surgical procedure, but may or may not include:
Pre-surgical evaluations and diagnostic tests
Post-operative medications for pain and infection prevention
Follow-up appointments
A protective cone for the surgical site
What is enucleation in dogs?
Enucleation is a surgery to remove a dog's eyeball while preserving the surrounding tissues such as the eyelids and eye muscles. Eye removal is considered a last resort when other treatments have failed or when the condition poses a significant threat to the dog's health and well-being.
Causes
The primary cause of eye removal surgery in dogs is severe trauma to the eye. This can include punctures, perforations, or other irreversible damage resulting from accidents, fights, or other incidents. Other common reasons for eye removal include:
Glaucoma that is unresponsive to treatment
Tumors or cancer in or around the eye
Chronic infections that don't respond to medication
Severe corneal diseases causing significant pain and vision loss
Congenital defects affecting eye function and quality of life
Symptoms
Common symptoms that may lead to eye removal surgery include:
Cloudy eyes
Bloodshot whites of the eyes
Vision loss
Drainage from one or both eyes
Signs of pain or discomfort
Diagnosis
When diagnosing the need for eye removal, a veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist will perform a thorough evaluation, carefully examining the eye and reviewing the dog's medical history to identify possible causes. Diagnostic tests may include:
Blood tests: Blood work for dogs costs $100 to $200 to reveal underlying health issues affecting the eye.
Imaging: Diagnostic imaging may be used to look for tumors or foreign bodies in the eye:
Canine X-rays cost $150 to $250 per image.
Dog ultrasounds cost $300 to $600.
Schirmer tear test: Measures tear production to identify conditions like dry eye
Tonometry: Assesses intraocular pressure to diagnose conditions such as glaucoma
Fluorescein stain test: A special dye is applied to detect corneal ulcers.
Biopsy: In cases of suspected cancer, tissue samples might be taken for analysis.
Surgical procedure
Once the diagnosis confirms the need for eye removal surgery, the veterinarian will proceed with the enucleation procedure. The surgical procedure takes anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours and involves:
Administering general anesthesia
Preparing the area around the eye for surgery
Removing the eyeball while preserving surrounding tissues
Closing the surgical site with sutures
Most dogs can go home the same day, though some may need to stay overnight for observation, especially after more complex surgeries.
Recovery
After eye removal surgery, most dogs recover quickly and adapt well to life with one eye or no eyes. The initial recovery period typically lasts 10 to 14 days. During this time, you'll likely:
Administer pain medications and antibiotics to manage discomfort and prevent infection.
Have your dog use a protective cone (Elizabethan collar) to prevent scratching or rubbing the surgical site.
Limit your dog's activity to short, leashed walks for bathroom breaks.
Schedule follow-up appointments to check healing progress and remove sutures if necessary.
Monitor the surgical site for swelling and discharge, which are normal during the healing process.
Most dogs return to normal activities within 2 to 3 weeks. They usually adjust quickly to vision changes, relying more on their other senses. However, you may need to make some environmental modifications, such as removing obstacles or using verbal cues to help your dog navigate.
Canine eye removal surgery alternatives
Eye removal surgery is typically performed when other treatment options have been exhausted or are deemed unlikely to succeed. Depending on the specific eye condition, veterinarians may first attempt various non-surgical treatments including:
Medications like antibiotics for infections
Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and pain
Specialized eye drops for conditions like dry eye or cataracts
Other treatments aimed at managing the underlying problem without surgery
Surgical alternatives
For certain conditions, vets may rely on surgical approaches to save the eye and alleviate the dog's discomfort:
Cherry eye surgery costs $500 to $1,200 to correct a prolapsed gland of the third eyelid by repositioning the gland to its normal location.
Dog eye ulcer surgery costs $1,000 to $3,000+ to treat deep, complicated, melting, or chronic ulcers that won't heal.
Eye removal surgery for dogs cost factors {#factors}
Several factors influence the cost of eye removal for dogs. These include:
Case complexity: More severe conditions require more intricate surgical approaches and potentially additional care.
Veterinarian expertise: Board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists often charge higher rates for their specialized skills and equipment.
Pre-surgical evaluations: Diagnostic tests, such as eye exams and blood work costs, contribute to the total expense and are necessary to assess the dog's condition before surgery.
Anesthesia requirements: The type and amount of anesthesia needed varies based on the dog's size, health status, and procedure duration, impacting the overall expense.
Post-operative care: Follow-up appointments, potential complications, and any emergency visits add to the cost of treatment.
Dog's health and size: Larger breeds or those with underlying conditions might require additional care or medications.
Number of eyes affected: Whether the surgery is performed on one eye (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral) impacts the total cost of the procedure.
FAQs about dog enucleation
Does pet insurance cover dog eye removal surgery?
Most comprehensive pet insurance plans cover medically necessary eye removal surgery for dogs, excluding pre-existing conditions. Coverage typically includes the procedure, anesthesia, and post-operative care. However, pet insurance costs and coverage vary, so it's important to check with your specific provider.
How long does dog eye removal surgery take?
Dog eye removal surgery typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to perform, including preparation and anesthesia. The exact duration can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the individual dog's needs.
Are there alternatives to enucleation?
Veterinarians typically try non-surgical treatments first, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and specialized eye drops. If these treatments fail to provide relief, enucleation may become necessary to ensure the dog's comfort and well-being.
Will my dog need a prosthetic eye or implant after enucleation?
No, it is not standard practice to replace the eye after it is removed. The eyelids are simply stitched closed over the empty socket. However, an orbital implant can be used to help maintain a more natural appearance.
How will my dog adjust to life with one eye?
Dogs adapt well to life with one eye, returning to normal routines after a few weeks. They quickly learn to compensate for changes in depth perception and can live happy, full lives with one eye. Initially, they may be startled when approached from the blind side, but they adjust over time.
Questions to ask your veterinarian
When discussing dog eye removal surgery with your vet, be sure to ask the following questions:
Is enucleation the best option for my dog's condition?
What are the potential risks and complications of the surgery?
How long will the surgery take, and will my dog need to stay overnight?
What type of anesthesia will be used, and are there any specific risks for my dog?
What is the expected recovery time, and what post-operative care will be needed?
Will my dog need to wear a protective collar, and for how long?
Are there any alternatives to enucleation that could be considered?
How will the surgery affect my dog's appearance and quality of life?
What pain management options will be provided during and after the surgery?
Will any follow-up appointments be necessary, and when will the sutures be removed?
Are there any long-term considerations or lifestyle changes I should be aware of?
What is the estimated cost of the surgery and follow-up care?
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.