How Much Does a Dog Skin Tag Removal Cost?

Skin tags, known as acrochordons in the medical world, on a dog, while most are considered harmless, may need to be removed in some circumstances.

If you ever feel what you think is a skin tag, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action as all will be treated differently, especially if what you thought was a skin tag was really something else.

“Scratching” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by ☺ Lee J Haywood

Dog skin tag removal cost

The cost to remove a skin tag will greatly depend on a variety of factors, including the method of removal your vet chooses, your geographical location, the vet you use, if anesthesia is needed for the procedure, if a biopsy is required, the exact location of the skin tag and the number of skin tags removed.  In most cases, since a vet will deem most skin tags harmless, he or she will often recommend leaving it as is unless it is irritating your dog, the growth is becoming too large and/or an infection has occurred.

If your vet proceeds to remove a skin tag, then a variety of options, as we discuss later, can be considered.  We broke down the average costs people paid online in our table below:

NOTE:  Do note additional costs may be a factor as we explain below.

Someone posted their bill from Banfield Pet Hospital stating they were charged $1,000 to have a skin tag removed.

The extra costs to consider

If your vet does want to inspect the growth in depth, then he or she will order a biopsy to confirm their suspicions.  In this case, a biopsy sent to the lab for analysis is often $150 on top of the estimates mentioned above.

In some cases, your dog may have more than one skin tag which may need to be removed.  If this were the case, the costs would lessen for each removal.

How to confirm the diagnosis

As mentioned, a skin tag can often be confused with something else that could cause potential harm such as a cancerous growth.  While many dogs can develop harmless skin tags over their life, a vet will look for certain factors when confirming if it is, indeed, a skin tag.  Whenever you see a lump anywhere on your dog’s body, your vet will always want you to take note of the appearance, size, location and even take a picture over time to watch its progress.  Aside from monitoring the dog’s progress, you will also be asked to look for any signs such as a change in appetite, weight loss, diarrhea or vomiting to name a few.  If any of these signs were noticed, then you will want to contact your vet immediately.

During the evaluation, your vet will often collect a sample of the growth via a fine needle aspirate.  This biopsy is often done in order to determine if the growth is either benign or malignant.  From there, a vet can hypothesize and determine the best course of action once these results are received.  If it is a skin tag and the vet or yourself wants to have it removed, then he or she may use one of the following methods noted below.

The most common methods used

Cauterization – Using a laser-like pen, the vet will burn the skin tag off, allowing it to fall off right away.  However, compared to the methods mentioned below, it can be more invasive, often requiring your dog to go under a local anesthesia to avoid feeling the heat radiating from the device.

Cryosurgery – This procedure, considered to be quick and painless, will freeze the skin tag immediately by using liquid nitrogen.

Ligation – Considered as one of the least invasive options, this method simply “ties off” a skin tag.  During the procedure,  the vet will first locate the skin tag, followed by using a thin piece of string to tie it off.  Typically, this will be done with skin tags with a larger base that he or she is able to tightly wrap the string around.  By tying it off, this allows the growth to stop receiving the oxygen and blood it needs to thrive.  A few days after the procedure, the skin tag will start to shrink, often turning in color before falling off.

Surgery – In some cases, surgery may be required if the vet determines the growth needs to be cut off and if it needs to be sent to a lab for a biopsy report.

Can I remove the skin tag at home?

While it may seem like a great idea to bypass the costly vet visit and attempt to remove it at home, it is never a good idea because, as mentioned, this skin tag could be something else that is much more serious such as a pre-cancerous growth.  Even if you were able to witness someone remove it online with ease, it doesn’t mean it will work for you since removing a skin tag can often lead to an infection if not treated properly.  What may save you a few hundred dollars could lead to a costly surgery if your dog were to come down with a serious infection or even cancer in a worst-case scenario.

Symptoms of a dog skin tag

Skin tags on a dog, in general, will take some time to grow and become noticeable.  Varying in size and appearance, they may cause distress if they were to grow too large.  Popular symptoms dog owners often notice includes a wart-like appearance, growths with hair follicles, a stalk-like growth or a flattened-like growth.

What exactly is causing these skin tags?

Collar – A tight collar can often irritate the skin, breaking open the skin and often causing extreme damage.

Environment – Pesticides, chemicals or anything your dog can come in contact around your home can often form tags on the skin.

Food – Like humans, a poor diet can lead to multiple skin malformations, with skin tags being one of them.  If your dog doesn’t receive the proper nutrition, it can lead to a weakened immune system, which can eventually lead to rashes, cracks in the skin and skin tags.

Genetics – With some dog breeds, a skin tag can be inherited and if it’s already in your dog’s breed line, then there’s no much you can do but monitor the situation.

Hygiene – All dogs need to be bathed on a routine basis to get rid of any irritants or dirt they may attract, but in some cases, owners often bathe too much, which can strip away the dog’s natural oils, causing the dog’s skin to dry out and/or chafe.

Parasites – There is a mile-long list of parasites that would love to attach to your dog.  Fleas, ticks, mites and lice, all of which you have probably heard of, are just a few of the many that can infest your dog’s skin.  These unwanted pets can cause itching, which, if not taken care of, can damage your dog’s skin while attempting to scratch them away.  This damaged skin can, in turn, become inflamed, infected or tags can develop after being treated.

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How Much Does Dog Salivary Gland Surgery Cost?

Dogs have salivary glands, which produce their saliva to help with the digestion process, beneath their tongues and in the back of their mouths.

While there are several glands that can produce saliva, only two are considered the primary glands, both of which are located on each side of the jaw.  If any gland were damaged, swollen and/or blocked, the saliva will not be able to flow naturally, and instead, it will leak into the surrounding tissue and will continue grow, potentially forming cysts.

Unfortunately, if your dog was experiencing this problem, it will not go away on its own, and the longer you wait, the more difficult it can be for your veterinarian to determine which gland ruptured.

At the time of diagnosis, your vet will be able to determine which type of salivary mucocele your dog has.

“Mraaaaw” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Lodian

The cost of salivary gland surgery for a dog

The cost of salivary gland surgery will greatly depend on the type (we get into this below) your vet, geographical location and all of the pre-operative/post-operative work your dog needs.  In most cases, regardless of the type, your vet will recommend surgery to remove the ruptured gland/s involved.  While the affected area can be drained, this is only considered as a temporary solution and isn’t recommended.  From our research, we have seen costs as little as $650 to more than $3,500+ when you factor in all of the testing and hospitalization stays.

On WagWalking.com, for example, a visitor asked if $2,400 was too much for a surgical procedure, and according to the vet who answered, he stated the quote could be reasonable, but cheaper options could be found elsewhere.

The Helping Hands Vet located in Richmond, VA, noted on its official price sheet that it would cost $655 for a salivary gland removal surgical procedure.

A member on this GermanShepherds.com forum thread claimed they were quoted $3,000.

The extra costs to consider

In most cases, your vet will want to draw blood, perform x-rays to locate the affected gland and/or take a sample of the urine to make sure your dog is able to handle the anesthesia while the surgery is performed.  This may or may not be included in the initial quote given by your vet.

After the surgery, your vet will prescribe pain medication to help your dog cope with the surgery.  This can include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, local anesthetics, and/or narcotics to control the pain.  If the surgery were complex, then there’s a good chance your vet will want to monitor your dog’s progress overnight for the next 24 to 48 hours.

A follow-up appointment, usually a few weeks after the procedure, will be mandatory to check on the incision and remove the drain.

Diagnosing the issue

Before determining a course of action, your veterinarian will first want to perform a physical examination.  Usually, mucoceles, which occurs when the salivary gland is damaged, is often easier to identify as they can cause swelling around the neck and/or mouth.  While tumors and abscesses can look similar, they tend to be firmer.

After a physical exam, the vet will then want to more than likely perform a sterile aspiration to examine the fluid under a microscope.  If the white blood cell count were high, it could indicate a sign of an infection and surgery could be required to locate the ruptured duct.  Before your dog is considered for the procedure, however, your vet will want to draw blood and collect a urine sample.

The types

Cervical mucocele – This tends to be the most common diagnosis — a process where the saliva will collect in the jaw/neck region.

Pharyngeal mucocele – Although less common that the two mentioned prior, this saliva will collect in the back of the throat, often making it hard for the dog to breathe and/or swallow.

Ranula mucocele – In this particular situation, the saliva will collect beneath the tongue or alongside it.  This is commonly seen as well but not as common as the jaw/neck region.

Zygomatic mucocele – A very rare condition where the saliva will collect around the eye.

Surgical procedure

Known as a sialoadenectomy in the medical world, this surgical procedure will remove one or more of the dog’s salivary glands.

First, the dog will be anesthetized before any incisions are made.

Next, an incision will be made into the affected side, which, depending on the type, can either be made via the neck or in another region.  Once the affected gland is located, the surgeon will cut off the blood supply to the capsule, a part which is connected to the gland.  Most of the gland will then be removed and separated from the salivary duct.

When the surgeon confirms the glands have been removed from the capsules, the space were the glands once were will be sutured shut and a drainage tube will be inserted, with the skin around the tube stitched with non-absorbable sutures.

After the surgery has been performed, a bandage will be applied and a follow-up appointment will be made for the future.

Symptoms to look out for

Swelling in the neck, face and/or tongue area.

The dog has trouble breathing and/or swallowing.

A sign of a bacterial infection such as a fever.

Blood in the saliva.

Tips to know

Complications, while rare, can occur just like any other surgical procedure.  In some cases, if one salivary gland were removed and the condition were to reappear, then the other gland may need to be removed as well.

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Control Arm Replacement Cost

The control arm assembly, a part which connects to your car’s suspension to the wheels via the ball joint and to the car’s frame via the bushings, one for every wheel, is responsible for synchronizing all four wheels, while, at the same time, keeps the car going steady.  If this part were to become damaged or bent, the wheels will no longer be in “sync,” creating a rocky ride.

Today, most vehicles will have two control arms in the front suspension, often referred to as lower control arms, but some cars, such as the Honda Accord, for example, have four control arms — two lower arms and two upper arms.

“E30 control arm bushings installed and r” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by mathrock

How much does it cost to replace a control arm?

The cost of a control arm replacement, as with any car repair, will greatly depend on the car you drive, the parts used, your mechanic or choice and your geographic location.  From our research, the average professional repair costs, including parts, will be in the $175 to $425 range.   Keep in mind that this is the price for the control arm only and will not include additional parts if needed.

See our table below to see what the most popular car makes and models may cost you:

NOTE:  These were quotes we received when talking with mechanics across the United States.  We only called and asked what it would cost to replace the control arm assembly.

BuyAutoParts.com notes the part alone if the arm needs to be replaced; however, if you were to purchase an entire control arm kit, then the costs could be closer to $100 to $250+.

On this Acurazine.com forum thread, a member was quoted $360 to $450 to replace to two lower control arm bushings and an alignment.

A member on this BlazerForum.com thread said he was quoted $387 for the parts and another $625 for the labor.  For this price, this included the control arms, ball joints and alignment.  If we took just the quote for the control arm, his total would have been $50 per control arm

The extra costs to think about

In most cases, a mechanic, if performing this repair, will often want to replace the bushings and ball joints as these parts will often be part of a kit while swapping out a new control arm assembly.  If you do decide to follow through with this type of repair, it can cost an additional $225.

Other costs, often associated with the control arm assembly, as per RepairPal.com, can include the following:

What exactly is the control arm assembly?

Inside a car, the control arm set, which consists of the lower and upper arm, will connect the car’s front suspension to the frame of the car.  This part, connects via the wheels through to the ball joints, eventually to the frame through the bushings.  In most cars, especially those found on a car lot today, will have the control arm assembly located on the front side of the car, but in some cases, it can be found in the back, albeit rare.

The control arm repair process

In order to check the control arm to confirm it’s faulty, the car must first be lifted in order to look beneath the car with ease.  To confirm a faulty part, a mechanic will push down at one corner of the vehicle to see how the suspension reacts.  During this time, a faulty or damaged control arm may show up since it determines the position of the wheel.

Once lifted and it’s confirmed the part is, indeed, faulty, then the front wheels will be removed, followed by disconnecting the control arm where the bushes join the sway bar.  Next, the lower ball joint is removed from the wheel and steering knuckle, and the control arm is then removed via bolts from the frame.  At this time, the mechanic will also inspect the related components, such as the ball joints, tie rod ends and sway bar links, to see if they need to be replaced.  The new control arm will be fitted and the wheels will be re-installed, followed by a realignment.  Lastly, the mechanic will take the car for a short test drive to ensure the car rides smoothly.

The labor time, depending on the vehicle classification, can take anywhere from one to three labor hours.

Common symptoms of a faulty control arm

A loud banging-like noise when either driving over a bump and/or turning the car.

The wheel assembly will shake, vibrate or move while driving.

The steering wheel feels as if it isn’t attached to the console correctly.

The tires look worn and/or are wearing out faster than they should be.

An annoying-like squeak each time the car goes over a bump in the road.

What happens if control arm breaks while driving?

If a control arm were to break while driving, it could lead to a catastrophic accident as you are no longer able to control the car because, as mentioned, the balljoint, which would pop out due to the broken control arm, wouldn’t allow you to control the wheels.  In other words, imagine if the wheels were pointing in the opposite direction as you intended or in a worst-case scenario, coming off the car entirely.  If going 70+ miles per hour on the highway, this would create quite the scene.

Tips to know

As there is not “set” timeframe as to when this part should be replaced, mechanics recommend checking your owner’s manual as all cars vary.  Since the bushings can wear out at about 100,000 miles, this is the time you should plan on replacing the part, especially if the car rides on rougher-than-average roads.  The control arm, in a lot of cases, can last the lifetime of the vehicle unless it was heavily damaged due to a pothole or car accident.

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How Much Does a Dog MRI Cost?

A dog MRI, in most cases, will be reserved for diagnosing problems with the brain or the spinal cord after all other tests, such as a radiograph/x-ray, CAT scan or ultrasound, failed to determine the exact cause of the dog’s illness.  This procedure, as per Animal Wellness Magazine, is considered to be a very rare procedure due to the availability across the United States.

“MRI” (CC BY 2.0) by Muffet

How much does a dog MRI cost?

An MRI for a dog, just like a human, can be quite expensive.  When the MRI scan, anesthesia and monitoring are all factored in, most dog owners will be looking at $2,000 to $4,000 for the entire procedure as these machines, which often cost more than $1 million dollars need to be housed in a protected area to protect the rest of the hospital from its strong magnetic field.  Since a dog cannot simply stay still like a human, anesthesia is always required as a safety measure, greatly increasing the costs.  If you have pet insurance, some policies, depending on the circumstances and your policy, may cover the procedure.

We were able to contact a few vet hospitals in the United States and came up with an average of the costs we received via email in our table below:

CompanionMRI, a veterinary hospital located in West Hartford, Connecticut, stated they charged $1,825 for one scan site and an additional $250 for each additional site if an anatomical MRI site is needed.

TuftsYourDog.com states the costs for the MRI only can range from $1,100 to $1,500, but when you add the anesthesia, it is best to add another few hundred dollars.

Oprah.com in its “The $60,000 Dog” article, they said the cost of an MRI scan could cost anywhere from $2,200 to $2,700.

The extra costs to consider

In some cases, an emergency reading may be available, depending on the hospital.  In this particular circumstance, if you needed the exam read immediately, this could cost an additional $100 to $250.

As indicated in the table above, a contrast enhancement may be required if the doctor needs to visualize some abnormal structures such as a tumor.  This material, which is injected, contains gadolinium and enhances the images in detail.  VetMedImaging.com states these substances are very safe and allergic reactions are very rare.

The MRI procedure

As mentioned, since a dog cannot stay still while inside the machine, the dog will be administered with a general anesthetic and then placed inside a giant magnet which will send radio waves into the body where a board-certified veterinary radiologist will conduct the test.  When this magnet is turned off, the body will release these waves, allowing the computer to create an image of the body in much greater detail when compared to other diagnostic-related scans.  Unlike an x-ray which uses radiation, an MRI is much safer because it will not require radiation to perform the scan.

The entire scan, depending on the number of scans required, can take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes for up to six scans, which equates to close to 100 different pictures.

Tips to know

Most animals see very few side effects, with some animals either drowsy or clumsy in walking after the anesthesia wears off.  Seeing general anesthesia is a serious matter, especially for fraile or an older animal, doctors often see severe reactions which can oftentimes be life-threatening.  As for the MRI, the radio waves have no known serious side effects.

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How Much Does a Dog Lipoma Removal Cost?

A lipoma, according to Dr. Patty Khuly, VMD, MBA, is a very common benign mass made up exclusively of fat cells.

While the majority are located beneath the skin everywhere and anywhere on the body, these fatty masses, in some cases, may develop on the abdomen or chest.

Seeing they are often a benign mass, lipomas are not deemed cancerous, and will not expand to other tissue.  They can, however, over time to become problematic as they can grow larger enough to conflict with the dog’s natural movement.

“”I’m Not Crazy About this Dr Office Thin” (Public Domain) by cogdogblog

Dog lipoma removal surgery cost

The cost of removing a lipoma will greatly depend on the surgical method chosen, the size of the lipoma, the area it’s located, the vet and your geographical location.  To diagnose the lipoma via a fine-needle aspirate, this can often cost anywhere from $35 to $75, and as mentioned, most lipomas will be relatively harmless and a vet will recommend no treatment as long as it is not affecting the dog.  Depending on the circumstances, he or she may also order a radiograph, ultrasound and/or computed tomography to investigate the area more in-depth.

However, as far as treatment options go, a dog owner should be expected to pay anywhere from $250 to $650 per mass to successfully remove it.  In some rare circumstances, a hard-to-reach mass and/or one located in a complex area could cost upwards of $1,000 per mass.  Again, a lipoma should only be removed if it obstructs your dog’s movement.

Dr. Smith on JustAnswer.com, for instance, stated the cost of the surgical procedure can range anywhere from $350 to $650, and the cost of removing one will depend on the size of the mass, how deep it is, what it is attached to, the age, and health status of your dog.

The extra costs to consider

If you do decide to go forward with a surgical procedure, your vet will more than likely prescribe pain medication, anti-inflammatories and may suggest an Elizabethan collar if they think it is needed.

Identifying the lipoma

A lipoma will normally look haired, somewhat soft and even mobile under the dog’s skin, but as mentioned, it can appear on the abdomen or chest as well.  Most dogs that have lipomas will have multiple lipomas all over the body.  In most cases, to identify the lipoma, a veterinarian will diagnose it via a fine-needle aspirate to retrieve a small number of cells to analyze it.  However, dog owners need to keep in mind that this method is not always accurate as it only takes a small sample, not representing the mass as a whole.  For this very reason, a veterinarian will always ask you to observe the area to see if it changes in shape, size or texture.

What exactly causes lipoma?

The exact cause is not evident, however, it may be linked to hormones, sun exposure, chemical exposure within the environment, viruses, genetics, commonly documented in Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers or Doberman Pinschers to name a few.

The treatment option

As mentioned, since a fair majority of these lipomas will be harmless, most vets will only recommend surgery if it is big enough to create distress or hinder the dog’s natural movement.  A biopsy, in most cases, will always be performed as a preventative measure to confirm the lipoma is, indeed, harmless to your dog.

If an owner opts for surgery, then the course of treatment will depend on the vet’s choice.  Some will use liposuction, a relatively new procedure, to extract the fatty tissue of the mass, whereas some vets will perform a surgical procedure which will be removed in its entirety.  During a surgical procedure, an incision will be made near the fatty mass and the mass, in its entirety, will be removed, but in some cases, a drain may be inserted to drain any noticeable fluids as the “dead space” created by the mass can often fill with fluid.  This TheSpruce.com article breaks down the surgical procedure step by step.

In addition to the treatment, regardless of which option is chosen, steroid injections and/or laser therapy may also be used to help limit its re-growth.  Keep in mind that some vets will highly advise against any treatment if your dog is older in age and, again, the mass isn’t causing harm.

As for recovery, the discharge from the hospital may be on the same day, but if the procedure is deemed to be invasive, then an overnight stay could be required to monitor the dog’s progress.

How to prevent lipomas

Mercola always recommends feeding your dog a raw, whole and organic diet to help keep your dog in a good physical condition.  This diet, according to the website, can help support the dog’s metabolism, immune and lymphatic systems, and organs of detoxification.  It’s also best to get into the habit of using natural vitamins and supplements as well.

Pay close attention to your dog’s BMI as pets that are either too thin or overweight are known to develop lipomas.

Consider spoiling your pet with either a massage and/or chiropractic treatments to help with detoxification.

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How Much Does Dog Heart Murmur Treatment Cost?

During a routine checkup, often during a vaccination session, a veterinarian will always listen to your dog’s heartbeat, and if the normal sounds are not as expected, it could be a potential sign of trouble.  For most, this can be a surprise as many dog owners will notice no symptoms at the time of the exam.

A heart murmur, an abnormal sound, such as a rumbling or burble, which indicates turbulence in the flow of blood, may be a sign of a disease or condition, but more often than not, a veterinarian will see it as a major clue as to determining if there is, indeed, any abnormalities to the heart and/or damage to the blood vessels.

Murmurs found in dogs is often caused via an abnormality in the heart, swelling of the heart, an incomplete closing of the valve and/or a narrowing of the arteries.

“stethoscope” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by jasleen_kaur

Dog heart murmur treatment cost

The cost of heart murmur treatment can greatly vary depending on the cause of the murmur and the dog’s age.  In some cases, surgery may be required if a valve defect is suspected, whereas a slight diet modification and medication may be recommended in the case of constricted arteries.  Tumors, another indicted sign of a murmur, could be much pricer due to the chemotherapy which could be required.

For puppies younger than six months old, for example, a murmur, which is often found during a routine vaccination, could be helped with a beta blocker or could subside on its own as the time goes on.  If one is suspected, routine examinations will always be recommended to note the progress.

To determine the right course of action, a veterinarian, depending on the situation, may want to order an MRI ($1,000), x-ray ($50-$200), a cardiac echo ($300) and/or ultrasound ($250-$500) to diagnose a specific condition.  All of these tests, when combined with the vet examination fee, can cost upwards of $1,500 to simply diagnose the condition.

As for treatments, there are a variety of options to consider and it can be hard to offer a “set” price point, but to make things easy, we broke down the most common conditions found which are associated with a dog heart murmur in our table below:

NOTE:  These are the costs for the procedure only and will not include the initial diagnostic testing as mentioned above.  You may want to add another $700 to $1,500 to the treatment totals for an estimate on these procedures.  As you can see, treatment, if necessary, can start at $1,500 and cost more than $20,000.

The Diary of a Real-Life Veterinarian states that she will send any suspected heart failure pet to a local cardiologist for an echocardiogram, which can cost about $600.  From there, depending on the echocardiogram, the costs could be from as little as $20 a month for heart medications and a prescription-based diet to much more for other treatment options.

PetInsuranceQuotes.com, as per their detailed guide, notes the prices for treatment can range from as little as $100 up to more than $20,000.

According to one forum member on this ChronofHorse.com forum thread, she said she owned two dogs that had heart problems.  A heart checkup alone at a local dog cardiologist would range anywhere from $500 to $600, but most clinics, from her experience, would offer a price estimate over the phone.  She highly recommended an echocardiogram, at a minimum, to help understand the symptoms in depth, and from there, the cardiologist could recommend his or her treatment options.

Diagnosing the heart murmur in a dog

Listening with a stethoscope – To understand what’s causing the murmur, a veterinarian will first grade the sound, based on a grade ranging from I (very quiet) to grade VI (very loud, often heard with the stethoscope barely touching the chest.  Generally, the louder the murmur, the more severe the heart disease may be.  To see how a veterinarian will grade the heartbeat they hear, this NC State assessment chart explains the process in detail.  Aside from listening to the murmur, an MRI, x-ray and/or ultrasound, as mentioned prior, may be ordered to determine the condition.  These tests will help a vet examine a picture of the heart, along with a picture of the surrounding issue and most of the time, these can be detected with medical imaging.

Radiographs – A radiograph will help a veterinarian visualize and measure the heart.  Because dogs vary in size, this test, used in conjunction with other tests, can help measure the heart’s function.  If the heart were enlarged, for example, then the test would show this as well as any fluid if it were present in the liver and/or abdomen.

Blood test and/or urine analysis – A blood test will not specifically diagnosis the heart murmur but it can show a vet how well the other organs are coping with the heart condition.  It can also measure the amount of a chemical known as NT-proBNP, which is an indicator of the heart’s muscle stress.

Electrocardiogram – During this procedure, an electrocardiogram will help assess the electrical activity of the heart muscle as abnormal rhythms can be seen in the trace.  While there can be false negatives with the test, such as stress coming from a nervous dog, a skilled operator will be able to distinguish these readings to determine an accurate result.

X-ray – An radiographic image can show the size, artery structures, veins and condition of the valves.

Heart murmur life expectancy

With no definite answer, it really depends and will be based on several factors. As the murmur will be graded on a scale of one to six, as mentioned prior, the more turbulent the heart rate is, the more it can affect your dog’s life expectancy.  With puppies, the good news is that a murmur will often fade and will eventually disappear, according to DogsHealthProblems.com.  Generally, once the puppy reaches four to six months old and there is no indication of heart disease, they are often referred to as innocent murmurs.  In this case, only assumptions can be made and if the murmur did disappear, then the puppy will live as expected.  However, if the murmur is still present at six months, then a vet will want to determine its underlying cause.

Varying greatly on the underlying cause, a heart murmur can progress into heart failure, which, of course, can lead to a much shorter life as expected, whereas some dogs can live out their entire lives with a low-risk murmur.

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How Much Does Dog Eye Ulcer Surgery Cost?

The cornea, being the outermost covering or layer of your dog’s eye and compromised of four layers, is transparent and admits light into the eye.  All of the other parts, including the pupil and iris, lay behind it, serving as a barrier to protect the inside of the eye from bacteria, foreign objects and just about anything that may appear with the vision.

To treat a corneal ulcer in a canine, a veterinarian or veterinarian eye specialist will perform what’s known as a chronic ulcer surgery or keratotomy, a procedure which treats indolent ulcers by removing the epithelial cells which are no longer attached.  This procedure, depending on the size of the ulcer, will be done under either a topical or general anesthesia.

“Eyes open” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Teresa Trimm

How much does dog eye ulcer surgery cost?

The to cost to have a canine’s eye ulcer removed will all depend on the type of procedure, the size of the dog due to the amount of anesthesia necessary for the surgery, your vet and geographical location.  A simple keratectomy for a smaller dog with little conflict could cost as little as $200 whereas a superficial keratectomy, considered to be a much more complex surgery for a larger and older dog, could cost as much as $2,300+.  

In some cases, ulcer surgery may not be recommended as in some cases as your vet may want to try a combination of drops, steroids and/or antibiotics to see if the ulcer improves.  To be considered for a surgery, the ulcer will often need to be deep and/or even ruptured in order to help save the eye, and if the ulcer doesn’t fit the criteria for the surgery, then antibiotics, painkillers and/or eye drops will be prescribed to help treat the infection to see if the symptoms improve.  Medication should cost less than $50 a month.

At MamaPedia.com, a member stated her 14-year-old beagle had an eye ulcer and her vet quoted $700 to make a cut at the eye surface to allow the eye to heal.  This was after trying multiple drops, steroids and antibiotics.  Someone who claimed to be a vet noted you should always seek a second opinion from an ophthalmology specialist, and if you feel the surgery will be worth the investment and the vet feel the success rate will be high, then, by all means, consider it.  For those who are on a budget, she did recommend removing the eye as many dogs are able to live a fulfilling life with one eye.

The American Shih Tzu Club notes that if a veterinarian suspects a dog does have an infected ulcer, he or she will be likely to order a cytology examination, which will look for the bacteria beneath a microscope and/or a culture analysis, which is used to grow the bacteria to determine which bacteria is present.  However, as mentioned, if this ulcer is deep or perforated, meaning there is a hole in the cornea, a surgical procedure, referred to as a conjunctival graft, will be required and can cost $1,000+

The procedure

Before a surgery is even considered, your vet will first want to thoroughly examine the eye by using what’s known as a diagnostic stain.  This stain will help allow the vet to visualize any ulcers or related injuries to the cornea itself.  It can also indicate how deep the ulcer is within the cornea as well.  Aside from the stain, other tests, including a dry eye test, bacteria culture and/or blood test may be ordered to check for the presence of an infection.  Again, unless the issue at hand is mild, surgery will be considered as a last resort.

During the procedure, your dog, as mentioned, will either be administered under a general or topical anesthesia, all depending on the size of the ulcer and the age/size of the dog.  Once the dog is sedated, the surgeon will first remove any of the epithelial cells which are still attached to the stroma.  Next, using a very fine needle, as small a piece of human hair, he or she will create a series of microgrooves on the corneal stroma to create a pattern to help disrupt the abnormal position of the cornea, allowing the new cells to anchor to the healthier ones in the unhealthy area.  After the treatment, the ulcer will eventually heal, but in some cases, the procedure may need to be repeated again or a different, more invasive procedure, such as a superficial keratectomy, may be considered.

Following the procedure, the veterinarian will prescribe an antibiotic, which will be dispensed in the dog’s eye for up to three times a day to help prevent any infection.  At this time, a bandage will be applied to the eye to help prevent any exposed nerve endings and a collar may be considered to prevent the dog from pawing at its eye while recovering.  Along with the antibiotic, a pain medication will be prescribed as well to help combat the pupil pain.

Can they be prevented?

TheVeterinaryExpert.com recommends regular eye examinations to detect any weaknesses in the corneal health.  If there are any indications of white or brown marks or a sticky discharge which continues to develop, then this could be a sign of a corneal ulcer.  Also, cleaning the eyes with tap water, using a lint-free towel, should be done frequently, but this process should not substitute a vet visit as ulcers will require medication to achieve fast healing.

How do they occur?

While there are several causes, the VCA Hospital notes the most common cause is due to trauma, such as the dog rubbing its eye on the carpet or due to a laceration, such as coming into contact with a sharp object or a cat’s claw, for example.  A less common cause may be due to a chemical burn, such as coming into contact with drywall dust or shampoo.

Less common causes may include bacterial infections or other related diseases such as Epithelial Dystrophy, keratoconjunctivitis (dry eye) or Endocrine-related diseases.

Symptoms of a canine eye ulcer

If the cornea is injured in any way, the sensitive nerves will be exposed, causing your dog’s eye to water more than normal.  You may also notice your dog will paw at its eye, which often signals a sign of potential pain.

As this problem can cause a sensitivity to light, a film/cloud over the eye, slight discharge, or a red, inflamed and painful appearance may be noticed.  Your dog may also try to keep its eye closed throughout the day.

Tips to know

Although almost any dogs can develop a corneal ulcer, some breeds, known as brachycephalic breeds, are more susceptible, especially those with shallow muzzles and shallow eye sockets such as the Pekingese, Shih Tzu or Lhasa apso.

A normal cornea ulcer should heal within five to seven days.

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How Much Does a Dog Dew Claw Removal Cost?

If you have a dog, you’re probably familiar with what looks like a “little thumb.”

Referred to as the dew claw, this part, similar to that of a thumb, commonly grows high on the dog’s leg, complete with a toenail, inside of the dog’s front paw and sometimes on the back paw, and will never touch the ground when standing.

While entirely optional, some breeders and dog owners opt to remove the dew claws when the dogs are young as they serve no purpose and some owners do it as they do not want the risk of it getting ripped off in the future during rough play.

“Paw” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by hasor

The dog dew claw removal costs

Puppy dew claws will always be removed within days after the puppies were born, usually when they are three to four days old, and the costs, from what we researched, will really depend on your vet, geographical location and what may be included at the time during the dew claw removal as many vets will want to also include the vaccinations and perform an exam.  To make things simple, however, the costs to solely remove the dew claws can range anywhere from $10 to $35 per puppy, but this usually won’t include the vet examination fee, which can be another $50 or so.  Since most people bring in a litter of puppies, a lot of vets will include a discount after the first puppy, often as much as 10 to 30 percent off.

If the puppy is older than three to five days old, then the vet will recommend you wait until you spay/neuter your dog and the procedure will be done at this time.

We did call a few vets around the United States asking what it would simply cost to have our puppy’s dew claws removed and here’s what we found:

Now, if we are talking about a puppy/dog older than a few weeks old, the procedure can still be done, even though many vets will advise against it unless an injury is present.  The reason it can be so much cheaper when the dog is younger is due to the fact the dew claw hasn’t become attached to the bone yet, and as the dog grows old and it attaches to the bone, then anesthesia will be required and the prices will skyrocket due to the complexity.  The costs, in this scenario, will depend on the age of the dog, your vet and the method your vet chooses when removing the dew claws.  In this scenario, the cost of a dewclaw removal, often done via a laser, including all materials and labor, can cost $500 to $850+

The dew claw removal procedure

With an adult dog, they will always be put under a general anesthesia to prevent the dog from moving around during the procedure.  However, if the puppy is younger than five days old, then a local anesthetic will be given and general anesthesia won’t be used.

The skin around the dew claw will is disinfected and washed to prevent an infection during the surgical procedure.

Using surgical scissors, the vet will cut through the skin, muscle and the bone in order to remove the entire toe.

Once removed, the area is stitched with sutures and an adhesive is applied to protect the wound.

Lastly, with older dogs, an Elizabethan collar will be used in order to prevent the dog from licking its wound.

The entire procedure will take up to 45 minutes, and after, some vets may want to monitor the dog’s progress for a few hours after the anesthesia wears off.

Tips to know

While dew claws can be removed at any time, vets will always recommend having them removed when your dog is less than a few weeks old.  As mentioned, this is due to the bones not being fully developed and removing them will be much easier.  As the dog grows old, anesthesia will be needed and the surgery can be more difficult as the vet will need to work around the bones and muscle tissue, increasing the time he or she needs to spend on the procedure.

Dew claws, in most cases, will be removed when the puppy is between two an five days old, often to conform to breed standards.  In this case, albeit controversial, it is often done for cosmetic reasons and is done as it can potentially cause pain in the future if it were to get snagged on something.  In most cases, however, it can be left intact without causing any harm.

The majority of dogs will have dew claws on their front paws, but only some dogs will have them on their back claws a well, which is often referred to as double dew claws.  While rare on the back paws, it can be common with certain breeds such as back labs and the Great Pyrenees, for example.

Dogs with dew claws will do just fine if left intact and a vet will never recommend you remove them if they are in great shape.  However, if the dew claws commonly get caught in things, then this could lead to a potential disaster, which could cause your dog quite some pain.  If you ever fear this could be an issue, always talk with your vet for a treatment plan.

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How Much Does a Dog Broken Tooth Treatment Cost?

A tooth fracture in dogs is often caused by some sort of trauma such as being hit by an object or when chewing on something hard.  When enough pressure is exerted onto the tooth, it may break, leading to pain and/or an infection.

While a dog can fracture any of their teeth, the canine teeth and the large teeth in the back (premolars) are the most commonly fractured teeth.

Broken teeth, in a lot of scenarios, can be a problem and it is an issue which should be dealt with immediately to avoid a deadly infection from occurring in the future.

“Graugh!” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by smerikal

How much does broken dog tooth treatment cost at a local vet?

The cost of fixing a broken tooth will depend on the circumstances and the type of procedure the vet performs.  As there are three popular treatment options, we broke down these treatments and the costs associated with it in our table below:

NOTE:  These costs may not include the additional costs such as the initial appointment, x-rays, blood work, anesthesia, post-surgical hospitalization, medication and/or post-operative checkups.

According to a forum thread on ChronOfHorse.com, one member said she was quoted $700 for a root canal, whereas another member said she was quoted $150 for an extraction or $900 for the root canal.

A member via this DogForums.com forum thread claimed his tooth extraction, once all of the extras, including the extraction, scaling, polishing, anesthesia, IV catheterization, presurgical screen, hospitalization and medicine were factored in, the total cost was $425.

Embrace Pet Insurance notes the costs will depend on the kind of fracture and the treatment elected.  A complicated fracture, which requires an extraction may cost $500 to $1,000 for a larger tooth, but for a root canal, the costs are roughly the same as it is for a human being, often being $1,500 to $3,000 or more.  In some cases, especially for larger dogs, do not be surprised if the costs reach up to $6,000, according to the website.

MyPetsDentist.com notes the cost of a root canal will depend on the size of your dog, the dog’s age, the number of roots that need to be worked on and the severity of the fracture.

The treatment

Before a treatment plan is even considered, your vet will first pay close attention to any symptoms indicative to a fractured tooth, including pain, drooling, pawing at the mouth, swelling, exposed pulp, a formation of a tooth abscess, an infection and/or bleeding near the tooth.  In most cases, a simple examination of the mouth can reveal the fraction and the treatment option necessary, but oftentimes, a vet will take an x-ray to examine the degree of compromise, the type of fracture and to confirm the correct treatment option.  During this examination, all four general tissues need to be considered in order to figure out how to cope with the fracture and anesthesia is always required for any of the procedures mentioned prior.

If the pulp is exposed, as is the case with many broken teeth, then veterinarians will have two options:  either an extraction or a root canal.  A root canal can help remove the affected pulp and replace it with a new material and crown, allowing the tooth to function as it did before, but an extraction, while it is effective at reducing the pain, will result in a loss of the tooth, effectively losing its function.  In some cases, if the fracture does extend into the root, then an extraction may be your only choice.

Recovery

Depending on the treatment, the aftercare and the recovery healing process will vary.  If the dog underwent a root canal, then in most cases, a dog should be able to resume activities relatively quick and will be able to drink and eat almost the same day.

A tooth extraction, often the hardest on your dog, will take the longest to recover due to the pain.  Your veterinarian will prescribe painkillers and antibiotics to help with the pain and to prevent an infection in the future.

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Dog Broken Nail at the Vet Cost

The tiniest tear on your dog’s nail can be excruciatingly painful for your pup, bringing even the bravest dog to its knees.

Any dog, regardless of the breed, will almost always hold up a foot, limp around and/or whine in discomfort when a torn nail is present.

“IMG_0641” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by JSF539

How much does it cost to have a vet take care of a broken dog nail?

If you were to bring in your dog to the vet due to a broken/infected/split/cracked nail, the costs will often be in the $80 to $150 range at your local vet and this would include the vet visit fee, the antibiotics required to prevent the infection and the bandaging process.  If you were to take your dog to an emergency vet during after hours, the cost range could be double or even triple this, depending on the geographical location and vet you choose.

In extreme cases, albeit rare, the toe may need to be removed if a large portion of the nail needs to be removed.  If this were the case, the costs could soar to $300 to $550+ due to the anesthesia required for the surgical procedure to remove a portion or all of the toe in question.

While it may be tempting to help resolve the issue at home, it is highly advisable you bring your dog into the vet if there’s excessive bleeding, swelling in the toe, signs of pain and/or consistently licking or biting the area.  Failing to do so can lead to an infection, especially if the tissue beneath the nail is exposed.

Dr. Gary on JustAnswer.com, for instance, said in most cases, if the toenail is cracked, then the broken part can be removed and the dog will simply be placed on pain medication; however, if the toe needs to be removed, then the costs could run anywhere from $200 to $400 depending on where it’s done.

The treatment

At the vet, your veterinarian will first apply an antibiotic ointment or a power to the exposed nail bed, followed by wrapping the foot with a bandage to prevent any contamination in the future and minimize the bleeding.  Depending on the break, an antibiotic may be recommended as well to avoid an infection.  Even after this treatment, the vet will want you to come back in the next week to closely monitor the break and remove the bandage to ensure it’s healing according to plan.  If all goes according to plan, the swelling and the pain should subside within two to three days, and the nail will grow back within the next several weeks.

How do the nails break?

A dog’s nail can break in a variety of ways, including getting it snagged on the carpet, inflammation, jumping off of a higher platform such as a porch, or in some cases, the nails of older pets could become so brittle that they break with ease.  Longer nails, in most cases, will break much easier than nails that are consistently trimmed.

What can I do if my dog’s nail is broken?

Restrain your dog – If your dog is suddenly yelping in pain and being to limp while holding their paw up, then there’s a good chance your dog, indeed, has a broken nail.  The first course of action is simply by restraining your dog while you tend to the nail.  This can include having someone hold the dog down while you tend to the nail or placing a muzzle on to help avoid any injuries

Control the bleeding – Wrap the nail in question with either a gauze or a towel while applying pressure to control the bleeding.  If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 to 15 minutes, then you will want to apply either a styptic pencil or cauterizing powder, all of which can be found at a local pet supply store, to help the issue at hand.  If you don’t have these products inside the home, you can try covering the nail with flour or try sticking the nail inside a bar of soap.

Remove the damaged part of the nail – If you notice a loosely attached part of the nail, silver in color, and you feel it can be trimmed easily at home, then you can do so with a pair of clippers.  However, if you do not feel comfortable with the situation, then it’s best to take your dog to the local veterinary hospital.

How to stop a dog’s nail from bleeding

To avoid broken nails, it’s always best to keep your dog’s nails trimmed as short nails, as mentioned, are much less likely to become snagged.  Whether you trim it at home or hire a groomer, the goal is to keep these nails as short as possible.  If you do feel uncomfortable, you can either ask a veterinarian to demonstrate the nail trimming process or again, hire a professional dog groomer to assist with the process.

Tips to know

If your dog loses its nail again and again, it could be due to underlying conditions, according to Embrace Pet Insurance.  This could include symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy, which is an inflammatory condition that involves the nail bed or vasculitis, which is another type of inflammation inside the small blood vessels, which can lead to a poor blood supply.

Call your vet immediately as they should be able to provide guidance over the phone.  In some cases, they may ask you to clean it and wrap it to monitor the progress for the next 24 hours.  If it doesn’t improve during this timeframe, then will more than likely ask you to come in for an exam.

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