How much does dog hernia surgery cost?
How much does dog hernia surgery cost?
$150 – $700 average cost (umbilical)
$4,000 – $8,000 average cost (diaphragmatic)
Average cost of hernia surgery in dogs
Dog hernia surgery costs anywhere from $150 to $700 without insurance for a simple umbilical hernia to $4,000 to $8,000 for a diaphragmatic hernia. Your total cost will depend on your location, the type of hernia, whether you have pet insurance, and if there is any other damage.
| Hernia type | Average cost | Recovery time |
|---|---|---|
| Umbilical | $150 – $700 | 2 – 3 weeks |
| Inguinal | $2,000 – $2,500 | 2 – 3 weeks |
| Perineal | $1,500 – $5,000 | 3 – 4 weeks |
| Diaphragmatic | $4,000 – $8,000 | 4 – 6 weeks |
| Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic (PPDH) | $3,500 – $10,000 | 4 – 6 weeks |
Umbilical
Dog umbilical hernia surgery costs $150 to $700 on average. This type of hernia usually happens when part of the intestines or tissue comes through a weak spot around the belly button.
If you have a puppy born with an umbilical hernia, they may need surgery if it doesn't resolve itself by the time your puppy is old enough for spaying or neutering.
Inguinal
Inguinal hernia dog surgery costs $2,000 to $2,500 on average. This hernia type happens when some of the dog's intestines or abdominal fat comes through a weak spot in their groin. This could cause tissue damage or lack of blood flow.
Perineal
Perineal hernia dog surgery costs $1,500 to $5,000. This kind of hernia happens when the rectum or organs protrude and cause a visible lump on either side of the dog's anus. You may notice that your dog (usually an older male) has problems defecating if they have this kind of hernia.
Diaphragmatic
Diaphragmatic hernia surgery for dogs costs $4,000 to $8,000 and is also called hiatal hernia surgery. This type is different than most and occurs when abdominal organs move inwards through a hole in the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest and abdomen.
This type of hernia is life-threatening and complex, and the surgery has a longer recovery time than average. Most vets recommend a specialist for this type of hernia.
PPDH
Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic (PPDH) surgery costs $3,500 to $10,000 on average. This is a specific type of diaphragmatic hernia where organs move towards the chest, usually next to the heart. Dogs with a PPDH hernia usually have trouble breathing or have cardiac symptoms.
What is hernia surgery for dogs?
A hernia is when a part of the body or internal organ protrudes out through the lining that normally holds it in. There are several kinds of hernias that can occur in different parts of a dog's body. Hernia surgery involves repairing the opening, sometimes using a biocompatible mesh for structure and support.
Inguinal hernias—ones that occur in the groin area—are more common in female dogs. Perineal hernias—ones near the tail—are common in older male dogs who haven't been neutered.
How do dogs get hernias?
Some dogs are born with hernias, usually umbilical hernias near the belly button. About 90% of hernias in dogs are genetic and are visible in puppies. They can also happen due to other factors:
Strenuous or vigorous play
Obesity and pressure on the abdomen
Predisposition with certain breeds like terriers
Hernia surgery cost factors
The following factors will influence the total cost of the hernia surgery for your dog:
Location: Cities and areas with a higher cost of living usually have higher prices for vet services. Newer, more advanced veterinary offices may charge more as well.
Qualifications: A vet clinic's general practitioner may not charge as much for hernia surgery as a board-certified veterinary surgeon in a specialty center.
Other surgery: Many vet clinics allow you to add on umbilical hernia surgery for a small fee when spaying or neutering your puppy.
Dog's size: Larger dogs may require more anesthesia or a higher dosage of medicine than smaller breeds.
Damage: If there is any damage to the surrounding tissue, it may complicate the surgery and raise costs.
Repair method: If the hernia requires a patch or mesh closure for support instead of simple sutures, the cost will increase.
Included services
The cost of dog hernia surgery typically includes the operation itself as well as the following:
Pre-surgery testing
Post-operation care or an overnight stay
X-rays before and after the surgery
Anesthesia and pain medication
Follow-up visits
Post-op care
Recovery after hernia surgery takes about 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the hernia type. Your vet will give you specific instructions for your dog, but they will probably include the following basic steps:
Rest for a certain period of time
Pain medicine as prescribed
Follow-up appointments
Your vet will likely take X-rays during a follow-up appointment to make sure everything is going well. Dog X-rays cost $150 to $400.
Dog hernia surgery FAQs
How long does a hernia surgery for a dog take?
Hernia surgery for a dog typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type of hernia. Even though the operation itself doesn't take long, your dog may need to stay overnight at the animal hospital for monitoring.
Can I walk my dog after hernia surgery?
You can take your dog on walks again after at least a few days of rest following the hernia surgery. Make sure you follow your vet's instructions and take it slow. Keep an eye on the incision site and call your vet if you notice any swelling, redness, or pus.
Does my dog need a hernia surgery?
Your dog may have a hernia if you notice any of the following signs:
Yelping or pain
Constipation
Noticeable swelling or a lump
Lack of appetite
Difficulty breathing
Vomiting (in extreme cases)
If you notice any concerning symptoms, call your vet right away to catch the hernia early and prevent serious complications.
Does pet insurance cover hernia surgery?
Pet insurance coverage varies, but many policies cover hernia surgeries because hernias are relatively common in dogs. However, keep in mind that you should have pet insurance before you notice the hernia. Otherwise, your insurance provider may consider it a pre-existing condition and won't cover it.
Pet insurance costs $35 to $75 per month, depending on your dog's age and breed and the level of coverage.
Questions to ask your vet
Ask your vet these important questions to make sure you understand what the operation and recovery process will be like:
Is hernia surgery the best option for my dog?
Is this hernia congenital?
Will you use sutures or mesh?
How long will the surgery take?
Does this price include all necessary lab work and x-rays?
Can you tell me what caused the hernia or whether I could've prevented it?
Could the hernia come back after surgery?
What will the recovery process be like?
What pain medicines will you prescribe?
How can I keep my dog comfortable and keep them from licking the stitches?
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.