How much does dog tumor removal cost?
How much does dog tumor removal cost?
$250 – $700 average cost to remove a subcutaneous fatty tumor
$450 – $1,800 average cost to remove other tumors
Dog tumor removal cost
Dog tumor removal costs $250 to $700 to remove a simple fatty tumor located directly below the skin or $1,000 to $1,800+ for a lipoma deeper in the body. Costs range from $450 to $2,100 to remove a dog mammary tumor, eyelid tumor, or mast cell tumor, depending on the size and complexity.
| Tumor type | Average removal cost |
|---|---|
| Lipoma / fatty tumor (subcutaneous / non-infiltrative) |
$250 – $700 |
| Lipoma / fatty tumor (internal / infiltrative) |
$1,000 – $1,800+ |
| Mast cell tumor | $450 – $2,100+ |
| Mammary tumor | $700 – $1,800+ |
| Eyelid tumor / histiocytoma | $500 – $1,200 |
What affects the cost of dog tumor removal?
These factors have the biggest impact on the cost of dog tumor removal:
Tumor size & location: Small tumors and those located close to the surface of the skin are the easiest and least costly to remove. Tumors that are highly vascular or located in areas that are more difficult to operate on cost much more to remove.
Dog size: Your dog's size will affect the amount of anesthesia they need for tumor removal surgery, which impacts the total cost.
Post-op expenses: Your vet might prescribe medication for pain or inflammation. Depending on the location of the surgical incision, your dog may also need to wear a cone or recovery collar to prevent them from licking or biting the site. A dog cone costs $10 to $30 on average.
Follow-up visits: Your dog may need a follow-up visit with the vet after the surgery, adding to the total treatment cost.
Provider: A general veterinarian typically charges less for tumor removal than a veterinary surgeon or oncologist. However, some tumor removals might require a veterinary surgeon, depending on the tumor's location and complexity.
Additional treatment: If the tumor is malignant, your dog may require other treatments in conjunction with the surgery to ensure the cancer doesn't return. Dog chemotherapy costs $3,000 to $10,000+ for the full diagnosis and treatment protocol.
Diagnosing a tumor in a dog
Before deciding on the best treatment approach, your vet will take a fine-needle aspirate (FNA) or biopsy of the tumor and examine the cells under a microscope to diagnose the type. Your vet may also use other diagnostic imaging tests to get a better look at the tumor:
Dog X-rays cost $150 to $250 per image.
A dog ultrasound costs $300 to $600.
A dog CT scan costs $1,500 to $2,000+.
Does pet insurance cover tumor removal for dogs?
Most comprehensive pet insurance policies cover tumor removal for dogs but only if the tumor is not considered a pre-existing condition. Keep in mind, most pet insurance providers require you to pay for the surgery first and submit a request for reimbursement.
Pet insurance costs $35 to $75 per month, depending on the plan, coverage, and your pet's age and breed.
FAQs about dog tumor removal
How long do dogs live after tumor removal?
Dogs will typically live out the rest of their natural lifespan after surgery to remove a benign fatty tumor, also called a lipoma. For cancerous tumors, the dog may require a combination of surgery and chemotherapy or radiation, and their lifespan will depend on the treatment and how successful it is.
Does dog tumor removal require surgery?
Whether a tumor requires surgery or not depends on the type of tumor and its location. Some tumors are benign and don't require removal. For other tumors, your vet may take a "watch and wait" approach to see if the tumor grows. Veterinarians typically recommend surgery to remove malignant tumors.
Should fatty tumors be removed from dogs?
Most fatty tumors (lipomas) are benign and don't require surgical removal unless they're causing your dog discomfort or mobility issues, such as a tumor in the mouth or armpit.
Can I remove a fatty tumor from my dog?
No, you should not try to remove a fatty tumor from your dog on your own. Consult a licensed veterinarian to determine whether the tumor needs to be removed via surgery or can be left untreated. Most lipomas are benign, and many of them do not require removal.
Questions to ask your vet about dog tumor removal
Ask your vet these important questions to help you better understand the treatment options, surgery, and recovery process for dog tumor removal:
How will you determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant?
What other diagnostic tests will my dog need?
Do you recommend removing the tumor or leaving it alone?
Is there any chance a benign tumor could become cancerous if not removed?
What are the risks of the tumor removal surgery?
How many surgeries like this have you performed?
What should I do to prepare my dog for the surgery?
What is the post-surgery recovery process?
What aftercare methods do you recommend?
Will my dog need any additional treatment besides surgery?
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.