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Procedure costs

Pet surgery and procedure costs

Published price figures with their sources, and example bill line items to help you understand an estimate. Ask your veterinarian for a quote.

Orthopedic

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Dogs

Dog ACL (TPLO) Surgery

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL/ACL) rupture is a common cause of rear-leg lameness in dogs. Repair options include Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) and lateral suture. Ask your veterinarian for a written estimate.

Published figures

Published range for canine TPLO surgery: $2,793–$6,417 (state averages from one survey) and $3,300–$4,200 per side (one teaching hospital).

Sources: Synchrony's 2025 Average Procedural Cost Study (survey-based state averages, published by CareCredit; CareCredit is a financial product provider); Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (year not stated). See sources

See the breakdown
A smooth-haired dachshund resting in a soft pet bed on a wooden floor at home
Dogs

Dog IVDD Spine Surgery

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) can compress the spinal cord and cause pain, weakness, or sudden hind-limb paralysis, especially in breeds such as Dachshunds and French Bulldogs. Diagnosis may involve MRI and treatment may include spinal surgery. Sudden paralysis is an emergency — contact an emergency veterinarian promptly. Ask your veterinarian for a written estimate.

Sources

University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center and Southeast Veterinary Neurology. See sources

See the breakdown
An awake ginger tabby cat sitting upright on a plush rug near a sunlit window
Cats

Cat Bone Fracture Repair

Bone fractures in cats often result from falls or vehicle accidents. Repair may involve splints, casts, or surgical fixation with plates, pins, or external fixators. Ask your veterinarian for a written estimate.

No published figure

Questions to ask the clinic →

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Emergency & Soft Tissue

An orange tabby cat curled up asleep on a knitted blanket
Cats

Cat Urinary Blockage Emergency

A urethral obstruction in a cat (most often male) is a veterinary emergency that needs immediate care. Treatment can include unblocking, IV fluids and hospitalization. Ask your veterinarian for a written estimate.

Published figure

One university clinical-trial page (date not shown) states that standard treatment of urinary obstruction in cats costs approximately $2,000 with no complications. Costs can be higher with complications. Ask the clinic for a written estimate.

Sources: University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine (date not shown). See sources

See the breakdown
A dog sitting beside a rubber toy
Dogs & cats

Foreign Body Ingestion Surgery

When a dog or cat swallows a toy, sock, corn cob, string, or bone, it can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction that needs emergency care, sometimes including surgery. Ask your veterinarian for a written estimate.

Published figures

Dogs: surgery to treat an intestinal blockage, state averages $3,471–$7,976. Cats: emergency surgery to remove a foreign body, state averages $1,873–$4,303 (one survey).

Sources: Synchrony's 2025 Average Procedural Cost Study (survey-based state averages, published by CareCredit; CareCredit is a financial product provider). See sources

See the breakdown
A large dog resting quietly on a blanket
Dogs

Dog GDV / Bloat Surgery

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV or "bloat") is a life-threatening emergency, most often seen in large, deep-chested dogs. Treatment usually involves emergency surgery and hospitalization. If you suspect bloat, go to the nearest emergency veterinarian immediately. Ask your veterinarian for a written estimate.

No published figure

Questions to ask the clinic →

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Dental

A happy dog next to a pet toothbrush
Dogs

Dog Dental Cleaning & Extraction

Professional veterinary dental cleaning is performed under anesthesia. Extractions or periodontal treatment add to the bill. Ask your veterinarian for a written estimate.

Published figures

Routine dental cleaning without extractions: $350–$500 at a general veterinarian (one published guide). Extractions are priced per tooth. Published extraction figures differ widely between sources and cases.

Sources: PetMD (updated Oct. 15, 2025). See sources

See the breakdown

Ophthalmology

A calm senior dog resting on a cushion
Dogs

Dog Cataract Eye Surgery

Canine cataract surgery is performed by veterinary ophthalmologists, commonly by phacoemulsification with an artificial lens implant. One-eye and both-eye surgery are priced differently. Ask your veterinarian for a written estimate.

Published figures

Published teaching-hospital estimates for canine cataract surgery: one eye $3,200–$5,500; both eyes $3,700–$6,700 (from different hospitals; what is included differs by hospital).

Sources: University of Tennessee (marked 6/5/26), University of Missouri (March 2025) and Ohio State University (10/2024) veterinary hospitals. See sources

See the breakdown
A French bulldog puppy looking up with clear and healthy eyes in warm daylight
Dogs

Dog Cherry Eye Surgery

Cherry eye is a prolapse of the third-eyelid tear gland, seen as a red mass in the corner of the eye. Ask your veterinarian which treatment options apply to your dog, what the risks of each are, and what follow-up is needed. Ask your veterinarian for a written estimate.

Published figures

Published figures for cherry eye surgery: $431–$991 (state averages from one survey; the survey source does not state the species) and $800–$1,000 for one eye (one clinic; add $400 for both eyes).

Sources: Synchrony's 2025 Average Procedural Cost Study (survey-based state averages, published by CareCredit; CareCredit is a financial product provider); Howard County Animal Hospital, Ellicott City, MD (© 2025). See sources

See the breakdown

Example bill line items show no dollar amounts

These examples show possible bill line items. No amounts are shown; ask the clinic for a written estimate. Policy terms vary; deductibles, exclusions, and limits may affect reimbursement.

Example 1 Canine

Dog Cruciate Repair (TPLO)

Unilateral torn ligament surgery with titanium plate.

Anesthesia & Monitoring
Surgeon Fee & Implants
ICU Hospitalization & Meds
Post-op Radiographs (8 Wks)
Example 2 Feline

Cat Urethral Blockage (FLUTD)

Emergency unblocking, catheterization & 48h ICU.

Stat Blood Chemistry & Triage
Catheter Placement & Flush
48h Fluid Diuresis & ICU
Take-home Antispasmodics
Example 3 Canine

Foreign Body Laparotomy

Intestinal obstruction from swallowed object.

Serial Contrast X-rays
Emergency Abdominal Surgery
Continuous Rate Infusion IV
Post-op Antibiotics & Pain
Estimate insurance reimbursement

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Insurer Websites (no recommendation)

Spot Pet Insurance

Plan details

Review coverage, exclusions, and policy terms at Spot.

Review policy terms with the insurer

Waiting period: Check current policy terms

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Lemonade Pet

Plan details

Review coverage, exclusions, and policy terms at Lemonade.

Review policy terms with the insurer

Waiting period: Check current policy terms

Visit Lemonade's website Third-party link — Opens an external website that PetSoMo does not operate or control.

Financial Disclaimer: Estimates only. Not veterinary medical advice or an insurance binder. Final reimbursement depends on your specific policy terms, pre-existing conditions, and claims adjudication.

Comparing pet insurance?

Insurer websites list their own plan terms, exclusions, and waiting periods. PetSoMo does not recommend any insurer.

Visit Spot's website Third-party link — Opens an external website that PetSoMo does not operate or control.Visit Lemonade's website Third-party link — Opens an external website that PetSoMo does not operate or control.