How much does entropion surgery for dogs cost?
How much does entropion surgery for dogs cost?
$600 – $2,000 average cost
Entropion surgery cost for dogs
Entropion surgery for dogs costs $600 to $2,000 on average. The total cost depends on whether the surgery involves one or both eyes, which eyelids are affected, your location, and whether a general practice veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist performs the procedure.
| National Average Cost | $1,200 |
| Minimum Cost | $400 |
| Maximum Cost | $3,500 |
| Average Range | $600 to $2,000 |
Canine entropion surgery cost factors
Several factors can affect the cost of entropion surgery for dogs:
General veterinarian vs. ophthalmologist: Veterinary surgeons and ophthalmologists charge more than general practice veterinarians, but they often have more experience with complex procedures.
One eye vs. both eyes: If both eyes have entropion, your vet will likely recommend treating both eyes during the same procedure. This increases the total cost but limits the anesthesia risk since your dog doesn't have to undergo two separate procedures.
Eyelids affected: Entropion can occur in just the upper or lower eyelid on one eye, in both eyelids on the same eye, or in eyelids on both eyes. Due to the extra time and anesthesia involved, surgery costs increase if multiple eyelids require correction.
Dog's size: Fees are often higher for larger dogs because they require more surgery time, more anesthesia, and higher doses of medications.
Pre-surgical blood work: Before the procedure, your vet will perform blood work to confirm your dog is healthy enough for surgery. Dog blood work costs $100 to $200. Many vets include blood work as part of their surgery fee.
Additional costs
After entropion surgery, your dog will need pain medication, eye drops or antibiotic ointment, and an Elizabethan collar/cone. Some veterinarians include medications in the surgery fee while others charge extra. Most vets will prescribe carprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), to reduce your dog's pain and inflammation.
What is entropion in dogs?
Entropion in dogs is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes and hair around the eye to rub against the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye). This inward rolling creates constant irritation and can lead to corneal ulcers, infections, or vision problems if untreated.
Symptoms of entropion include:
Excessive tearing or discharge from the eye
Squinting or keeping the eye partially closed
Redness and inflammation of the eye
Pawing at the affected eye
Corneal ulcers or scarring in severe cases
What causes entropion in dogs?
Entropion can be congenital or developmental. Certain breeds are more genetically predisposed to the condition, especially those with loose facial skin or prominent eyes. Entropion often affects these breeds:
Bulldog
Shar Pei
Chow Chow
Rottweiler
Retriever
Mastiff
Pug
Some Spaniel breeds
Puppies can develop entropion when the head, skin, and eyelids are still developing, but the condition may resolve as they grow. A dog can also develop entropion later in life due to injury, infection, chronic eye pain or squinting, or neurological issues that affect facial muscles.
Dog entropion surgery FAQs
Does pet insurance cover entropion surgery?
Pet insurance may cover the cost of entropion surgery if your policy is in effect before the condition develops. Most companies don't cover pre-existing conditions. Also, read your pet insurance policy to see if breed-specific conditions are covered. Some insurers classify entropion as a breed issue and may limit coverage.
Entropion is often diagnosed when puppies are quite young, so it's important to have pet insurance in place as early as possible. Pet insurance costs $35 to $75 per month on average, but rates can exceed $100 per month for large dogs.
How long does entropion surgery take for dogs?
Entropion surgery takes 20 to 45 minutes on average but can take longer depending on the complexity of the case and whether the procedure involves one or both eyes. After the surgery, the anesthesia may take 24 to 48 hours to fully wear off.
How long does recovery from entropion surgery take?
After entropion surgery, the surgical site will take 10 to 14 days or longer to heal. Your dog should wear an Elizabethan collar, also called an e-collar or cone, to prevent them from rubbing or pawing at their eyes during this time.
Some veterinarians use standard sutures, requiring a follow-up visit for suture removal. Other vets use absorbable sutures that naturally dissolve as the wound heals.
Warning: Never try to clean or put any medication in your dog's eyes after entropion surgery without getting your veterinarian's approval first. Using unapproved eye drops or trying to clean your dog's eyes can do more harm than good.
Questions to ask your veterinarian
Ask your veterinarian these important questions to ensure you understand the surgery, risks, recovery process, and aftercare requirements:
How many entropion surgeries have you performed?
What are the risks and benefits of the surgery?
How long will the surgery take?
How long should my dog fast before the procedure? Can I give them water?
What is the expected recovery time, and when can my dog return to normal activities?
What post-operative care and medications will my dog need?
What issues should I watch out for during recovery?
How many follow-up appointments will be required?
Will my dog need ongoing medications or special care?
What is the total estimated cost, including pre-operative tests and post-operative 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.