How Much Does Dog Cataract Surgery Cost?
Last Updated on October 22, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker
Has your veterinarian diagnosed your dog with cataracts? As a pet owner, you’re likely concerned about how cataracts may impact your dog’s vision and quality of life over time. The good news is that cataract surgery can often successfully restore dogs’ vision. However, this procedure does come at a cost.
In this guide, we’ll analyze the typical fees and expenses associated with cataract removal surgery for dogs. You’ll learn about the factors that influence pricing, get cost estimates for different scenarios, and uncover tips to make dog cataract surgery more affordable.
How Much Does Dog Cataract Surgery Cost?
The total cost of cataract surgery for dogs ranges widely, but typically falls between $2,500 and $5,000 per eye. For context, here is a breakdown of the standard fees:
- Initial exam, diagnosis, and pre-op testing: $300 to $500
- Cataract surgery procedure itself: $1,500 to $3,500 per eye
- Lens implant or IOL (intraocular lens): $800 to $1,500 per eye
- Anesthesia and monitoring: $200 to $500
- Medications: $150 to $250
- Post-operative care and follow-up: $300 to $800
For cataract surgery on one eye, most pet owners can expect total costs of approximately $3,000 to $4,500. We’ll explore the variables that influence the final price below.
According to Vety, the average cost for cataract surgery is between $3,500 and $5,600 for one eye and $4,300 to $6,600 for both eyes. This price typically includes pre-surgery consultations, diagnostic tests, anesthesia, and post-operative care.
Another source, Dogster, reports that the average cost of surgery hovers around $3,000, with total expenses ranging from $2,700 to $4,200 if both eyes are affected. This estimate includes all associated costs such as preliminary examinations and medications.
According to Insuranceopedia, dog cataract surgery generally costs between $2,700 and $4,000 per eye. They emphasize that additional costs may arise from pre-surgical diagnostics and post-operative care, which can include follow-up visits and medications.
Pawlicy Advisor states that the average price for dog cataract surgery is also in the range of $2,700 to $4,000. They highlight that pet insurance can significantly help offset these costs if obtained before a diagnosis of cataracts.
Lastly, MetLife Pet Insurance confirms that the cost for dog cataract surgery typically ranges from $2,700 to $4,000, with an average around $3,500. They note that this procedure is essential for restoring vision in dogs suffering from cataracts and that pet insurance can provide substantial financial relief for pet owners.
Factors Impacting Surgery Costs
Several factors contribute to the overall price of cataract removal surgery for dogs:
Geographical Location of the Clinic
Surgery performed in large urban areas like Los Angeles or New York City tends to be more expensive given higher real estate and labor costs. Procedures done in smaller towns or rural areas are generally more affordable.
Cost Variance by Location:
- Small town clinic, rural area: $2,000 to $3,000 per eye
- Suburban clinic, medium-sized city: $2,500 to $4,000 per eye
- Major metro area clinic: $3,500 to $5,000+ per eye
Veterinary Ophthalmologist vs. General Veterinarian
Opting for a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist rather than general vet will increase the cost, but a specialist may have more expertise and a higher cataract surgery success rate.
Cost Differential:
- General veterinarian: $2,000 to $3,000 per eye
- Veterinary ophthalmologist: $3,000 to $5,000+ per eye
Among the most common dog breeds to get cataracts are Karelian Bear dogs, French Bulldogs, and American Eskimo dogs.
Extent of the Cataracts
Dogs with mild cataracts may be candidates for less complicated and less expensive surgery than dogs with advanced cataracts obscuring most vision.
Cataract Severity Pricing:
- Mild cataracts: $2,500 to $3,500 per eye
- Moderate cataracts: $3,000 to $4,500 per eye
- Severe, advanced cataracts: $4,000 to $6,000+ per eye
Dog’s Overall Health Profile
Sicker, older dogs require more extensive pre-operative testing and anesthesia precautions which can drive up costs. Younger, healthier dogs are often cheaper candidates for routine cataract procedures.
Health Status Pricing:
- Younger, healthy dog: $2,500 to $3,500 per eye
- Older dog with some medical issues: $3,500 to $5,000 per eye
- High-risk senior dog: $4,500 to $6,500+ per eye
Type of Lens Implant Selected
Standard monofocal IOLs cost less, while advanced toric and multifocal IOLs that correct astigmatism and near/far focus are more expensive.
Implant Pricing:
- Standard monofocal IOL: $800 to $1,200
- Premium toric or multifocal IOLs: $1,200 to $1,600
As you can see, where you live, who performs the surgery, your dog’s ocular and medical health, and other variables significantly impact the all-in cost of cataract removal procedures.
Itemized Expenses
To plan your budget, it helps to understand the individual components that make up the total cataract surgery cost:
- Initial veterinary exam – Assesses cataract severity, recommends treatment ($80-$150)
- Pre-operative diagnostics – Bloodwork, urine test, eye pressure check ($150-$300)
- Anesthesia – General anesthesia to keep dog fully sedated during surgery ($200-$500)
- Surgery facility fee – Use of operating room and surgical equipment ($500-$1,500)
- Surgeon’s fee – The ophthalmologist’s time and skills performing the procedure ($800-$2,000)
- Lens implant – Artificial IOL to replace cloudy lens ($800-$1,500 per eye)
- Hospital stay – 1-2 nights post-op monitoring ($200-$400 per night)
- Medications – Post-op antibiotic, anti-inflammatory eye drops ($100-$250)
- E-collar – Prevents dog rubbing eyes while healing ($25-$50)
- Follow-up care – Monitoring recovery, eye pressure, vision ($250-$500)
While each case is unique, this gives a general overview of the kinds of fees involved so owners know what to budget for cataract removal surgery.
Reduce the Costs
While an essential procedure to restore vision, cataract surgery for dogs can strain the finances of pet owners. Here are a few tips to make care more affordable:
Compare quotes between clinics. Get estimates from several veterinary ophthalmologists in your area to find the most competitive pricing. Ask about bundled or package discount options.
Apply for financing. Many clinics offer payment plans through CareCredit. Interest-free promotional periods may be available depending on the amount borrowed.
Get pet insurance. Some pet insurance policies cover a portion of cataract surgery costs and medications. Read the fine print to understand coverage, limits, exclusions.
Inquire about discounts. Ask if clinics offer any discounts for senior dogs, shelters/rescues, or military/service members to reduce costs.
Discuss the range of lens options. Standard monofocal IOLs are cheaper than premium toric or multifocal implants. Choose the most economical option for your dog’s needs.
Price shop medications. Compare prices between pharmacies to get the best rates on prescribed post-operative eye drops and pain relievers.
With some diligence and research, pet owners can uncover ways to reduce the hit to their wallet from cataract procedures.
Medications and Aftercare Costs
While surgery represents the largest upfront investment, proper medications and aftercare are also important budget items following cataract removal:
- Antibiotic eye drops – Prevents post-op infection ($30-$60)
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops – Reduces swelling, irritation ($50-$150)
- Elizabethan collar – Stops dog from pawing at eyes ($25-$50)
- Pain medication – Short-term prescription for surgical discomfort ($20-$40)
- Follow-up exams – Monitor healing, eye pressures, vision ($100-$250 per visit)
- Lifetime eye lubricants – For dry eye, recommended long-term post-cataract surgery ($50-$100 per year)
The typical range for medications and aftercare is $300 to $800, in addition to surgery costs. Discuss post-op treatment with your vet to understand what to budget for.
Risks and Complications
While a generally safe procedure, cataract removal surgery does carry potential risks and complications to consider:
- Infection – Uncommon with proper antibiotics, but may require intensive topical and oral medication if occurs.
- Bleeding – Small risk of hemorrhage during surgery that may necessitate additional procedure.
- Inflammation – Controlled with prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops.
- Glaucoma – Pressure buildup inside eye. Caught early, managed with medications.
- Retinal detachment – Rare, serious complication that causes vision loss.
- Lens implant rejection – Uncommon with advanced IOLs, but still a slight risk.
- Need for revision surgery – If serious complications arise, repeat procedure may cost $2,000 to $4,000.
Discuss the risks and your dog’s candidacy for cataract surgery thoroughly with your veterinary ophthalmologist.
Pet Insurance Coverage
Pet insurance can potentially help reduce out-of-pocket costs for cataract removal procedures. However, the percentage covered depends on the policy:
Typical Pet Insurance Coverage for Dog Cataract Surgery:
- Deductible: $100 to $1,000
- Reimbursement rate: 50% to 90%
- Maximum benefit: $2,000 to $10,000
- Pre-existing condition stipulations: Vary by provider
- Exam fees covered: Most include initial diagnosis
So while pet insurance defrays some expenses, owners should still anticipate significant copays for cataract treatment. Read plans closely.
Top providers like Healthy Paws, Trupanion, Embrace, and Nationwide may offer strong eye surgery coverage options. Compare policy terms to choose the optimal plan.
Recovery Timeline Post Cataract Surgery
Understanding the recovery and aftercare timeline helps owners plan assisted care following their dog’s cataract procedure:
Day of Surgery
- Initial bandage and E-collar placed
- Dog remains at clinic for monitoring
First Week Post-Surgery
- E-collar worn at all times
- Administer eye medications multiple times daily
- Restrict exercise; short leash walks only
- Recheck appointment to assess healing
Weeks 2-4 Post-Surgery
- Continue eye medications
- Gradually increase activity
- Monitor for potential complications
- Vision should start improving
1-2 Months Post-Surgery
- Taper off medications if healing properly
- Vision correction continues over several weeks
- Annual eye exams recommended long-term
Following all at-home care instructions carefully is vital for your dog to have the best possible surgical outcome and recovery.
Three Real-World Case Examples
To make cataract surgery pricing more concrete, here are three examples of real dogs and their treatment costs:
Case Study 1: Lucy, 12-year-old Beagle, New York City
- Bilateral advanced cataracts obscuring vision
- Seen by veterinary ophthalmology specialist
- Higher prices given urban location
- Bill for cataract removal surgery on both eyes: $7,200
Case Study 2: Rocky, 8-year-old Yellow Lab, Dallas, TX
- Diagnosed with early-stage cataracts in both eyes
- Had surgery performed by general practice vet
- Required eye pressure monitoring after procedure
- Bill for bilateral cataract treatment: $4,100
Case Study 3: Buster, 10-year-old Shih Tzu Mix, Cleveland, OH
- Small cataracts forming in left eye only
- Quick routine surgery by ophthalmology specialist
- Shelter program discount applied
- Bill for one eye cataract surgery: $2,800
As you can see, the price for cataract surgery in dogs varies significantly based on specific circumstances. These real-world examples illustrate how factors like cataract severity, location, vet qualifications, and more impact the final costs.
Questions to Ask Your Vet
When initially discussing cataract surgery for your dog, here are some important questions to ask the veterinarian:
- What is the severity of my dog’s cataracts? How much vision loss is occurring?
- Are there any non-surgical treatment options we could try first?
- What diagnostic tests would be required prior to surgery for my dog?
- How experienced are you in performing this specific procedure? What is your complication rate?
- Does my pet have any health issues that could impact surgical candidacy or recovery?
- What specific costs should I budget for surgery and medications? Get an itemized estimate.
- What payment plans or discounts do you offer to make care more affordable?
Getting clear, thorough answers will help you make an informed decision on pursuing cataract removal surgery for your dog.
Final Words
While a major investment starting at approximately $3,000 per eye, cataract surgery can greatly improve vision and quality of life for dogs suffering from blindness. Key cost takeaways:
- Numerous factors like location and cataract severity influence pricing
- Itemized costs include diagnostics, anesthesia, surgery fees, lens implants, meds, aftercare
- Pet insurance and payment plans can offset some expenses
- Ensuring proper post-op care promotes positive outcomes
- Vet selection and geographics contribute to pricing variability
Don’t hesitate to get multiple quotes and discuss budgets openly with your veterinary eye specialist. With thoughtful planning and preparation, cataract removal surgery can restore dogs’ eyesight, providing years of renewed activity and visual enjoyment.
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