Cataracts are characterized by a cloudiness in a dog’s eyes that can cause blurred vision and even blindness. Cataract surgery can help restore your dog’s vision. According to GoodRX, the surgery typically costs between $2,800 to $4,900 for dogs1. There are many factors that can impact the total cost of the surgery, including how severe the cataracts are in your dog.
What are the Factors Impacting Dog Cataract Surgery Cost?
As mentioned above, there are some factors that could impact how much this surgery costs including pre-surgery procedures, the conditions of each eye, post-op evaluations, and even your location. We offer a breakdown of each factor below.
Surgery Procedures and Their Impact
It is important to note that your dog needs to be properly diagnosed before scheduling any surgical procedure. For example, you may need to visit a vet for an initial eye exam, preliminary diagnostic testing, and even bloodwork. All these processes come with a cost that can add up very quickly. After this, you may have to be referred to a veterinary specialist who may perform their own set of tests to determine whether surgery is necessary.
According to internal data surrounding cataract procedures, some additional costs that could be considered in the final cost include anesthesia, ultrasound, and an ERG (electroretinogram)†.
The Condition of Each Eye
The final cost will depend on the condition of each eye. In some cases, one eye will be in better shape than the other and not having to perform surgery on both of them will cost less.
Post-Operation Evaluations and Medications
Some dogs may need to rest overnight in the hospital so that veterinary professionals can monitor their health. In some cases, your dog will need eye drops or antibiotics, which come with their own costs. Lastly, they might need to be evaluated again by a veterinarian to make sure that the surgery was successful.
Your Location
The cost of any service will vary by what your local vet charges. If you live in a high-cost-of-living area, you may have to pay more for your vet visits.
Can Pet Insurance Help Cover the Price of Cataracts in Dogs?
Yes, pet insurance can cover eligible vet bills for cataract surgery. As mentioned above, cataract surgery has the potential to incur a lot of costs for pet owners because it is an expensive procedure and because there are many other procedures related to it that can add to its costs. Pet insurance can be worth it for some pet parents.
Average Cataract Surgery Cost and Payout per Internal Claims Data
Cataract Bilateral Surgery Price | Average Payout |
$5,785.4† | $4,356.8† |
Read more: How Much Does Insulin Cost for Dogs?
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
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.
† Jan 2019 to November 2024 administrative claims data. Includes total reimbursement for accident, illness, and wellness. Individual reimbursement results and coverage vary based on plan type.
