Removal of a simple fatty tumor located right under the skin can cost somewhere between $250-$700. The deeper it is, and the more complicated the procedure is to remove it, the cost of surgery can go as high as $2,100. (4)
To get a better understanding of the cost you should be looking at, it is important to know the different types of tumors a dog can have, their signs and symptoms, treatment options, etc.
Tumor Trouble in Dogs – What You Need to Know
A tumor is basically a misbehaved cell that keeps multiplying out of control instead of following the natural life and death cycle. These tumors can be of two types – (1)
Benign – These are non-cancerous tumors that do not have the capability to spread or invade any other healthy tissues.
Malignant – These are the scary ones. These cancerous tumors spread to other organs and tissues in a process called metastasis. There can be multiple types of these tumors that can vary in terms of aggressiveness.
What are the types of Tumors in a Dog?
Cancerous or non-cancerous tumors can be present in any part of the dog’s body. Some of the most common ones include – (1)
Mast Cell Tumors – They happen in the mast cells in a dog’s skin. They can look like many things like a simple pimple or cyst
Lymphoma – This one arises from white blood cells called lymphocytes. They are usually found around the jaw, in front of the shoulder or in the back of the knees.
Lipoma – These are benign growths arising from the fatty layer just under a dog’s skin. They are not cancerous, and the surgery is usually done for cosmetic reasons.
Osteosarcoma – These are malignant tumors that arise from bone cells. They are painful and can even result in bone fractures, limb swelling, and lameness.
Apart from these, there can be more types like melanoma, papilloma, mammary gland carcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, etc.
What are the Signs of Tumor in Dogs?
The signs can vary depending on whether the tumor is benign or malignant and its location. A brain tumor can cause seizures, changes in behavior, etc. Below are some of the common signs seen in dogs with tumors – (3)
Lump on the skin surface
A non-healing sore
Weight loss
Lethargy and weakness
Difficulty breathing
Limping
Digestive issues
The dog can also show symptoms like altered reflexes and partial paralysis.
When is Dog Tumor Removal needed?
The vet will decide the need for tumor removal based on the type, location, and the dog’s overall health. Benign tumors that are small and not causing any problems to the adjacent tissues may not need to be removed. But if the tumor is causing pain or discomfort or is in or around the brain, it may have to be removed. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, must be removed as soon as possible.
Before opting for surgery, a sample of the tumor may be taken for examination. This provides cells that can be viewed under a microscope and may give hints about the tumor’s origin. Depending on the lab results, the vet can decide on the best course of action.
What is the cost of Dog Tumor Removal?
Firstly, the type of tumor does not impact the cost of surgery as much as the size and the anatomical make-up of the tumor. The more invasive and complicated the surgery, the more surgical skill is required for a vet, and hence, the higher the cost. Below is the list of things that you can expect the bill to reflect: (1)
Vet expertise
Surgical time needed
A pre-surgery procedure, like blood work, anesthesia, technician time, etc.
Biopsy and other lab work
Take-home medications like antibiotics, pain meds, and any other specific ones if needed
E-collar and bandages
Expect to spend around $400-$500 more for the services mentioned above, apart from the core surgery. The costs won’t stop after the surgery, as the dog will require some post-operative care and follow-up visits. Your dog may also need a prescription diet, as they will probably face problems like a lack of appetite.
Below are the average costs of surgery for different types of tumors in dogs – (4)
Lipoma (non-infiltrative) - $250 - $700
Lipoma (infiltrative) - $1,000 - $1,800
Mast Cell Tumor - $450 - $2,100
Mammary tumor - $700 - $1,800
Eyelid tumor - $500 - $1,200
In case of a malignant cancer, your dog may also need chemotherapy to ensure the cancer does not return. Chemotherapy is not a one-time expense. The dog will need multiple regular dosages to ensure effectiveness. The cost can range from $150 - $600, depending on the type of cancer, treatment plan, type of facility used, etc. The total cost can easily reach up to $10,000. You can even expect to spend another couple of thousand dollars on consultation with oncologists. (2)
How to Save Dog Tumor Removal Costs?
You may not be able to prevent most tumors. What you can do is help ensure your dog gets the best treatment, and the way to do that is to make sure the expenses do not come in the middle of it. With pet insurance, you can save up to 90% of the costs related to treating tumors in dogs, including removal surgery.
With Spot Pet Insurance, you can not only save the tumor removal costs, but also the post-operative costs like prescription diets, medications, alternative treatments, follow-up visits, chemotherapy, and more.
More about Spot Pet Insurance
Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Covers Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans help cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
As Spot’s resident cat enthusiast, I am dedicated to researching and sharing information that helps pet owners take the best care of their pets. Pet ownership comes with it’s share of challenges, but my goal is to help make this journey easier.
Dayton, L., DVM. (2023, September 12). Dog tumors. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cancer/dog-tumors
Koehler, R., DVM. (2024, March 25). Chemotherapy for dogs. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/procedure/chemotherapy-for-dogs
Cross, B. (n.d.). Coping with cancer in dogs. Blue Cross. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/coping-with-cancer-in-dogs
Cramer, K. (2024, September 16). How much does dog tumor removal cost? Vety. https://vety.com/costs/dog-tumor-removal-cost
