How Much Does a Dog Broken Leg Cost?

Last Updated on December 9, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

It’s unpleasant to see your dog in pain. The limping, howling, and other signs of your dog’s pain will cause you to take steps to soothe its pain. But if the leg is broken, trying to examine or treat it could make things worse. A veterinarian can better determine the severity of the injury and determine if the fractured leg needs treatment.

How Much Does a Dog Broken Leg Cost to Treat?

In case your dog has a broken leg, you should be prepared to spend anywhere between $400 and $3,700 for its treatment. Expect to spend more than $2,100 if there are multiple bones broken within the leg.

However, if the fracture is not that severe, you will have to pay less than $650. The costs are influenced by several factors such as the veterinary office you are working with, which leg is broken, your geographical location, whether the broken limb is closed or open, and the gravity of the break.

According to the Vetary website, the cost to treat a broken leg in dogs would be anywhere between $1,250 and $3,200, with a national average of $2,200. This will depend on the severity of the problem, if it requires surgery or it is a closed fracture and it needs cast or splint, and your local cost of living.

You might also like our articles on the cost of slipped disc surgery, hernia surgery, or luxating patella surgery in dogs.

Also, Dr. Harrison stated on the JustAnswer website that you would have to pay anywhere between $60 and $80 for a simple splint at his office. But, before everything else, you will have to pay an examination fee and if an x-ray is required you will have to pay for it as well. The costs would go up to $500 or more than $1,000  for a broken leg surgery.

The dog broken leg surgery cost depends on who is performing the surgery and what area is actually fractured. For example, specialists will charge much more to treat a dog’s broken leg.

These costs are variable because you have to take into consideration the hospitalization, medication, aftercare, x-rays, and blood work. When we factor in all of these, the costs may be anywhere from just $120 to more than $3,200 for the right treatment.

According to the VetStreet website, the overall cost of a dog’s broken leg treatment may be up to $10,500, including the radiographs, hospitalization, anesthesia, the surgery itself, the follow-up visits, and the pain medication. These costs will depend on how long your dog has to stay in the ICU, the severity of the break, and how many bone fractures he has.

Broken Leg In Dogs – Treatment Options

The veterinarian will want to perform an x-ray of the injured leg to confirm that it is broken, identify the kind of fracture, and to determine the best treatment.

Your dog may also be given an anti-inflammatory drug to help him get over the pain more easily. As a pet owner, it is important not to try to relieve your dog’s pain on your own, as many of the pain medications in humans are not good for dogs.

If the leg is really broken, your veterinarian will discuss with you whether it is better to immobilize the leg and put it in a splint or plaster, or if surgical treatment with a rod could be a better option.

There are several factors that determine the best treatment for a broken leg, including the type and position of the fracture and the age of the dog. The strength of the bones is more affected in older dogs.

Your dog’s condition will determine the recovery period, but in general, the hospital stay may be only one day for a simple cast or up to two weeks for complex surgery. The vet will monitor your dog’s evolution during this period.

What are the extra costs to fix a broken leg?

In case of emergency care, your bill will increase by more than 50% to 200%.

Depending on your vet’s billing policy, the X-rays done before the treatment might be considered an extra cost.

If the leg has to be rehabilitated, your dog will need physical therapy. This involves your dog running on an underwater treadmill-like device in order to gain its strength again.

Regardless of whether your dog needs surgery or not, your vet will prescribe pain medication. These will cost anywhere between $40 and $60.

In general, the costs of follow-up visits after the surgery are not included in the initial cost of the dog’s broken leg treatment.

Does Pet Insurance Cover The Treatment Of Leg Fractures in Dogs?

Pet insurance companies typically cover broken bones in dogs, including the cost of treatment of broken legs.

Pet insurance usually covers diagnostic tests like X-rays to determine if and where a dog has broken bones. This can help confirm the injury and type of break.

The cost of surgery, like pinning or plating, to repair the broken leg would usually be covered after you meet your deductible. Some policies cover this at 90% or more after the deductible.

Hospitalization, if needed before/after surgery, is typically covered to some extent as well. Medications the dog is prescribed for pain or recovery would fall under the policy’s prescription drug coverage.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation is sometimes included too depending on the provider.

Vet Recommendation

Limb injuries are easy to identify if the pet limps or refuses to walk. However, these signs do not necessarily indicate a fracture. According to VCA Hospitals, other signs that the dog’s leg could be broken include intense pain, swelling at the fracture site, and an abnormal position of the leg.

If your dog is willing to walk, he will not put any weight on the broken leg but will keep it above the ground. If you suspect that your pet may have a broken leg or another serious injury, it is best to take it to a veterinarian immediately, instead of trying to examine or treat your dog’s broken leg at home.

Try to keep the broken leg as stable as possible as you go to the vet. If possible, transport the dog to avoid weight on the broken leg. Use bulky pillows or blankets to tie the leg and keep it as stable as possible. Avoid handling a broken leg, as this will cause pain and can damage nerves, vessels, muscles, and other nearby tissues.

How can I save money?

In case you can not afford the expenses of this procedure, try to ask your vet’s office for a payment plan. There are vet offices that offer payment plans for their clients, no matter which treatment method your dog requires.