What Are the Vet Costs for Dog Eye Infections & Eye Surgery (2024 Update)
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When your dog has an eye infection or eye injury, you’ll want to get it treated ASAP. Many conditions can cause eye infections in dogs that will require surgery, such as cataracts, conjunctivitis, uveitis, inflammation, eyelid issues, tumors, cherry eye, glaucoma, and certain injuries.
The cost of the eye surgery then depends on the type of the infection and on your location. In this article, we’ll look more in depth at the potential costs of such eye surgeries so you’ll have more of an idea of what to expect. While this is not an exact cost, you’ll have a ballpark figure. Your location can influence how much you can expect to pay, as well. Let’s get started.
The Importance of Treating Eye Infections and Eye Injuries
Eye infections can be very painful and uncomfortable for your dog, and depending on the issue, a lack of treatment could cause your dog to lose its eyesight or the entire eye. That’s why it’s imperative to have the eye checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Eye issues can progress at an aggressive rate, making time of the essence. While some eye issues may resolve on their own, it’s not worth the risk to your dog to treat at home. Eye injuries can happen during playtime or arise from something as simple as allergies. Regardless, it’s imperative that you have your dog checked by your veterinarian for treatment. Injuries can lead to infections, and your dog will need medicine to heal.
How Much Does Dog Eye Surgery Cost?
It’s tough to pinpoint eye surgery costs because it will depend on the issue. Your dog may not need surgery at all, which will lower the cost. But right now, we’re going to focus on eye surgery. The cost also varies depending on your location. Let’s take a look below to better understand the cost of certain medical procedures.
West Coast
| Cataract Surgery | One Eye: $2,600 | Both Eyes: $4,000 |
| Cherry Eye Removal | One Eye: $1,300 | Both Eyes: $1,600 |
| Ulcer Removal | $600 to $700 | One or Both Eyes |
| Glaucoma Laser Treatment | One Eye: $1,400 | Both Eyes: $1,800 |
| Ectopic Cilia | $1,400 | One or Both Eyes |
| Eye Removal | $1,950–$2,200 | Condition Varies |
East Coast
| Cherry Eye Removal | $355 Per Eye |
| Entropion (folding of eyelids) | $225 Per Eye |
| Eye Removal | $475 Per Eye |
South
| Entropion | $225 Per Eye |
| Eye Removal | $475 Per Eye |
| Cherry Eye Removal | $355 Per Eye |
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Of course, there will be additional costs to expect, such as a consultation, X-rays, scans, and medicine. These costs will, of course, vary depending on your location.
MRIs can be extremely costly, averaging between $2,500–$5,000. Typically, X-rays can cost anywhere from $75–$250.
Depending on the type of surgery, your dog may have an overnight stay for observation. Some practices will give you an estimate for the whole kit and caboodle, which will involve the overnight stay, but be aware that if your dog has eye removal, most likely, an overnight stay will be in order.
How Long Is the Healing Process?
The healing process will vary greatly depending on what type of surgery your dog had. For example, if your dog had eye removal, also known as enucleation, your dog will likely have stitches for 10–14 days. There may be some bruising, and the eye socket may be swollen, but your pup will have pain medication for any discomfort.
The type of surgery your dog has will determine the length of the healing process, but in general, complete healing can take around 5 days.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Dog Eye Surgery?
In most cases, eye surgery is covered under a pet insurance policy, as long as the issue is not a pre-existing condition. For example, if your dog had cataracts before you purchased the policy, it may not cover cataract removal.
All pet insurance plans have their own stipulations, and it’s wise to check what type of medical procedures will be covered. Some plans may not cover the entire bill, while some will cover the entire costs, and others will cover the bill partially. Make sure you understand the policy thoroughly before committing.
If you are looking for a pet insurance plan that offers great value, Spot's customized plans can be adjusted to suit your pet and your budget. You may be able to cover your pet at a cost that suits you.
What to Do for My Dog’s Swollen Eyes or Eye Injury
If you notice that your dog’s eye (or eyes) are swollen and your vet is closed, you can try treating the eyes with a warm compress until you can get to your vet. This will at least give your dog some relief in the meantime. If it is an emergency and your vet is closed, you’ll need to see your local emergency vet to have the eye accessed.
If an injury to the eye has occurred, take your dog to your vet or emergency vet immediately. Since there are many reasons why your dog may have an eye issue, it’s best to have the eyes checked as soon as possible.
Conclusion
As you can see, dog eye surgery can be costly, but it’s vital to get treatment for your pooch should an issue arise. Purchasing pet insurance can help keep the costs down, and your location will determine how much you will pay.
If you have to take your dog to an emergency vet or an animal eye specialist, the costs will be significantly higher. It will really depend on the situation and the type of surgery, but hopefully, now you have a better understanding of the costs.
Featured Image Credit: Ermolaev Alexander, Shutterstock
