Pets—be it dogs, cats, rabbits, or even lizards—can bring a lot of joy into our lives. They nuzzle their way into our hearts and quickly become part of the family. But as part of our fur family, they also come with some added financial responsibility.
One of the biggest financial considerations when owning a pet is the added expense of their medical care. Pets, like their human counterparts, can get sick or injured too. When this happens, they too will require medical attention. And while pet insurance covers many procedures, some surgeries can be very costly.
Here are some of the most expensive surgeries for pets.
Hip Dysplasia Surgery
Starting Cost: About $1,200
Hip dysplasia is a common condition in dogs that can be very painful. It affects over 100 medium to large dog breeds and can cause lameness, arthritis, and even immobility. And it’s not just dogs that get hip dysplasia. Cats can also develop the condition, though it is much less common.
Lifestyle changes and medication can help to manage the condition, but surgery is often required to correct the problem. The cost of hip dysplasia surgery can vary depending on its severity and the type of procedure needed.
Cataract Surgery
Starting Cost: About $2,600
Your pet’s once clear and vibrant eyes can start to deteriorate with age. Cataracts, which are cloudy areas in the eye that can cause vision loss, are common in senior dogs and cats. While medication can sometimes manage cataracts, surgery is often the only way to restore vision.
Cataract surgery is a routine procedure, but it can be expensive. It’s still worth it—one procedure, and your pet will see again and enjoy a better quality of life.
Mass Removals
Starting Cost: $500
Masses or tumors can form on any part of your pet’s body and can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). While some may not need treatment, others may need to be surgically removed.
The price of mass removal surgery will depend on the size and location of the mass, as well as whether it is benign or malignant. If it is cancerous, your pet may also need additional treatment, such as chemotherapy.
Cystotomy (Bladder Stone Surgery)
Starting Cost: $1,000
Hard mineral deposits formed in animals’ urinary tracts are called bladder stones. They can range in size from tiny grains of sand to large, pebble-like masses. While some bladder stones can be passed without treatment, others may need surgery to remove them.
Cystotomy, or bladder stone surgery, is a procedure done in dogs and cats. It’s commonly recommended for those that like to eat a lot of table scraps.
The total amount of the surgery will depend on the size and number of stones that need to be removed. In some cases, additional treatment, such as dietary changes, may be required to prevent the formation of new bladder stones.
Laparotomy (Intestinal Surgery)
Starting Cost: $1,500
It happens—our furry friends will sometimes eat things they shouldn’t. And while most will pass through without any problems, some can get stuck and cause an obstruction. When left untreated, an obstruction can be life-threatening.
Intestinal surgery, or laparotomy, is often required to remove the obstruction and save your pet’s life. Charges for such surgery will depend on the severity of the foreign object lodged in your pet and how long it has been present.
Other Orthopedic Procedures
Starting Cost: $2,000
Orthopedic procedures are any surgeries that involve the bones, joints, or muscles. These orthopedic procedures include ACL repair, patellar luxation surgery, and fracture repair.
The charge for orthopedic surgery will vary depending on the type of procedure needed. But, in general, orthopedic surgeries tend to be quite costly. Still, these procedures can mean the difference between a life of pain and a life of mobility for your pet.
Get Peace of Mind with Pet Insurance
Even the most vigilant pet parents can’t always prevent an accident or illness. And when unexpected veterinary bills pop up, knowing the average costs of some common surgeries can help you budget for your pet’s medical care. But the best way to prepare for the unexpected is to have pet insurance.
Pet insurance can help to ease the financial burden of unexpected veterinary bills. Most pet insurance policies cover a range of surgeries and other medical treatments. And with one, you won’t have to choose between your pet’s health and your bank account.
Sources:
https://www.moneytalksnews.com/10-expensive-pet-health-problems/
https://financebuzz.com/dog-surgery-cost
https://www.nevccc.com/site/blog/2021/09/15/hip-dysplasia-surgery-dog
https://www.lemonade.com/pet/explained/cat-surgery-cost/