How Much Does Entropion Surgery Cost for Dogs?

Last Updated on February 7, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

If your dog has been diagnosed with entropion, you may be wondering about the cost of corrective eyelid surgery. This condition can cause significant irritation and pain for dogs, so surgery is often recommended.

In this article, we’ll break down the typical price range for entropion surgery, what’s included, and ways to manage the costs.

How Much Does Entropion Surgery Cost for Dogs?

For most dogs, entropion surgery will cost between $800 and $2,500 per eye. This wide range accounts for different factors like geographic location, veterinary surgeon experience, and individual dog health needs.

At general veterinary clinics, fees are often on the lower end of the range, from $800 to $1,500 per eye. Specialized veterinary ophthalmologists tend to charge more, from $1,500 up to $2,500 or more per eye.

According to Forbes, the cost of entropion surgery for dogs can range anywhere between $300 and $2,000. The cost depends on various factors such as location, the veterinarian’s experience, and the severity of the condition.

Anicira notes that the cost of cat and dog entropion/ectropion is $575 for one eye and $865 for both eyes. Preanesthetic blood work may be necessary and costs an additional $150.

Eye Specialists for Animals mentions that the cost of treatment for entropion ranges from $1,400 to $2,000 depending on the breed, severity of the condition, and the number of eyelids involved.

Affordable Veterinary Surgery writes that the cost of entropion surgery is $275 to $375 per lid.

According to Pet Insurance U, the average cost for entropion surgery is anywhere from $350 to $600 if the surgery is performed by your dog’s regular vet. However, if a veterinary surgeon or ophthalmologist performs the surgery, the cost can go up to as high as $1,500.

Post-surgery costs with prescribed medication, vet follow-ups, and other supplies could be another $300 to $400.

It’s important to understand what’s behind these prices if your dog needs this eyelid surgery.

What is Entropion and Why is Surgery Needed?

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid folds inward, causing the eyelashes and skin to rub against the eye. This constant irritation is very uncomfortable for dogs and can lead to pain, corneal damage, ulcers, and vision problems if not corrected.

Surgery is the main treatment option to resolve entropion in dogs. The veterinary ophthalmologist will perform a procedure to roll the eyelid outwards into its normal position. This not only stops the rubbing and irritation, but also removes damaged tissue.

Details of the Entropion Surgery Procedure

The surgery itself takes between 30 minutes to one hour per eye, depending on severity. Here are the main steps:

• Pre-surgical exam and tests: Includes a full eye exam, pre-anesthetic bloodwork, and other screenings.
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered before surgery for comfort and stillness.
• The surgical technique: The inner eyelid is trimmed and stitched into place in the correct outward position. Damaged tissue is removed.
• Recovery monitoring: Dogs are closely monitored until fully awake from anesthesia.
• Post-op care: Antibiotic ointment, oral pain medication, Elizabethan collar, and follow-up visits.

What Impacts the Cost of Canine Entropion Surgery?

Several factors affect the overall price tag for entropion surgery in dogs:

• Breed – Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs often have more severe entropion requiring extra surgery time and care.
• Severity – If the entropion is advanced, a more complex procedure may be required. Mild cases are simpler.
• Location – Prices tend to be higher in metropolitan areas and when using veterinary ophthalmologists.
• Experience – A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist will charge more than a general vet surgeon.

Breakdown of Additional Entropion Surgery Expenses

Beyond the surgery itself, pet owners should budget for expenses like:

• Pre-surgical exam and diagnostics – $200 to $400
• Anesthesia – $150 to $250
• Post-operative medications – $50 to $250
• Elizabethan collar – $15 to $45
• Follow-up visits – $50 to $100 per visit

Post-op care is very important for healing, so these costs should be factored in.

You might also like our articles about the cost of dewclaw removal, hernia surgery, or tail docking for your dog.

Assistance for Managing the Costs of Canine Entropion Surgery

Pet insurance and financial assistance programs can help make entropion surgery more affordable.

• Pet insurance may cover 50% to 90% of surgery costs if enrolled before the condition develops.
• Veterinary office payment plans allow costs to be paid over time with interest.
• Non-profit organizations may provide financial aid for dogs requiring urgent veterinary care.

Choosing the Right Veterinary Surgeon for Your Dog

The success of entropion surgery relies on an experienced veterinary ophthalmologist. Be sure to:

• Verify board certification in ophthalmology.
• Review the surgeon’s entropion surgery experience with your dog’s breed.
• Ask about the surgical technique that will be used.

Don’t hesitate to get a second opinion if you have any concerns.

Final Words

While entropion surgery is a significant investment, it is vitally important for your dog’s comfort and eye health. Understanding all the costs involved allows you to financially prepare and get your dog the best possible care. With proper treatment, most dogs go on to make full recoveries from this condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is entropion surgery necessary for dogs?

Yes, for most dogs with entropion, surgery is considered necessary and is the standard recommended treatment. Entropion causes constant irritation and damage to the cornea that will likely get progressively worse over time if not corrected.

Surgery can stop this rubbing and allow the eye to heal. Other options like eyelid tapes only provide temporary relief so surgery is the permanent solution. However, your veterinarian may advise against surgery if your dog has other health conditions that make anesthesia unsafe.

What is the success rate of entropion surgery in dogs?

Fortunately, entropion surgery has a very high success rate in dogs when performed by a skilled veterinary ophthalmologist. In most cases, one surgery fully corrects the inward rolling of the eyelid.

For brachycephalic breeds who tend to have severe entropion, a second surgery may sometimes be needed to achieve the desired results. Overall, with appropriate follow-up care after surgery, veterinary studies show entropion surgery successfully resolves the condition in 85% to 90% of dogs.

Can a dog live with entropion?

It’s possible for a dog to live with untreated entropion, but it generally results in chronic eye pain and progressive damage. The constant irritation of the cornea is very uncomfortable. Some dogs with entropion also develop corneal ulcers or blindness when left untreated.

While it may seem manageable at first, most dogs’ quality of life will deteriorate over time without surgery to permanently address the root cause. Living with entropion also makes dogs prone to eye infections. For these reasons, veterinary ophthalmologists recommend undergoing corrective surgery as soon as possible for the best outcome.