How Much Does Hernia Surgery for Dogs Cost?
Hernia surgery for a dog is a procedure performed to remove a hernia in a dog, a condition that occurs when there are holes in the body’s muscle wall. This condition usually happens naturally or it can be caused by a torn muscle, which allows the intestine and other internal organs to pass through. If it is diagnosed early, a hernia can be fixed by performing surgery. The most common symptoms may include noticeable pain, vomiting, depression or a lack of appetite.
There are different types of dogs that can have hernias, but there are certain breeds that are more prone to this condition. For example, the Poodle, Dachshund, Basset Hound, Chihuahua and Maltese are a few breeds known to get hernias from time to time.
The price for this type of surgery depends on the vet that will perform the surgery, the complexity of the situation, the inclusions in the bill and geographical location.
How much does hernia surgery for a dog cost?
On average, this type of surgery can cost anywhere from $400 to $2,000. The size of the dog, the age, as well as the severity of the condition, can greatly affect the price.
The surgery can be as little as $250 to $400 if the procedure is done with a spay or neutering during the puppy stages. Performing both surgeries at the same time can lower the costs since anesthetic costs are reduced. Most simple hernias, on average, should be less than $300.
If it were an emergency situation and was left untreated for quite some time, then the costs can be in the $500 to $2,000. In fact, it can be more if certain body structures were to be strangled because of a hernia.
DogChannel.com shows information regarding hernia surgery for dogs as well as different pricing for the procedure. They list that the price for the hernia surgery can fall between $750 to $1,600.
Embrace Pet Insurance says the average cost could be about $150 to $400 if it were a minor repair, but if it were a complex situation, plan on spending more than $500.
Hernia surgery for a dog overview
Before the surgery is considered, the vet will first diagnose the condition to confirm a hernia is present. Most umbilical and inguinal hernias can be identified by seeing a tear in the body surface, either near the belly button or on either side of the groin. While most hernias will be benign, there are times when the internal organs may herniate within these tears.
According to Vetary.com, there are two types of hernias: reducible and irreducible. A reducible hernia will be smaller in size and is when a protrusion may be pushed back into the abdomen by the vet. This protrusion is simply the fat or abdominal lining. An irreducible will be larger in size and one or more internal organs will be protruding from the site. In most of these cases, the vet will have to perform a surgical procedure since these organs may become strangulated, cutting off the blood flow, which in turn, can kill the tissue.
During the procedure, the hole around a hernia will be closed by tightening it up using a suture material after substituting any tissue that may have slipped through. One of the most common hernia surgeries is an umbilical cord hernia, which does not have many complications after the surgery has been performed. Since this surgery is rather routine and many dogs are born with it, most of these procedures will rarely lead to any sort of complications.
If, for some reason, the vet deems the opening is smaller than average, then he or she may not recommend surgery. Instead, you will have to closely watch your dog’s condition for up to six months to see if the hernia heals. If not, then they may ask for you to come back for a follow-up appointment.
What are the extra costs?
The medicine that needs to be taken by the dog after the surgery is completed will cost extra. Most antibiotics and painkillers should cost less than $30.
Additional visits to the vet before and after the surgery may be necessary. The vet is going to want to make sure that the dog is healing according to plan, and depending on the veterinarian office, they may or may not include these fees in the total cost.
Complex hernias such as a body wall hernia, which is caused by getting hit by a car, for example, can be more complex. Because of this, the challenge to repair it can raise the price.
Pre and post blood work may not be included in the initial bill.
If more overnight stays are needed at the office, some offices may charge an additional fee.
Tips to know
Dr. Patty Khuly from Embrace Pet Insurance, the website we mentioned above, said the best way to prevent a hernia is simply by getting your dog spayed or neutered. Even if they are spayed or neutered, some breeds, such as the cocker spaniel, may experience inguinal hernias due to genetic changes.
How can I save money?
Consult with a vet because you may find that there are other alternatives that can be done that do not require surgery.
Check with many local vet clinics in the area. Most are going to be able to give a quote right over the phone or the price can be on their website.
Highly consider going with a local Humane Society as they perform surgeries at a fraction of the cost. 24-hour clinics generally will charge the most.
Financial aid can be available through many clinics if the upfront fee cannot be paid right away.
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Average Reported Cost: $350.5
How much did you spend?
- wendy (fort lauderdale, florida ) paid $1,200 and said:
Had the surgery done in 2010-11. Now have to take him back in to have another one removed. Very costly
Was it worth it? Yes
- Stacey (Parker, Colorado) paid $700 and said:
April 2019. Surgery tomorrow.
Was it worth it? Yes
