Cataract Surgery for Dogs: Costs, Risks, and Alternatives

What Is Cataract Surgery for Dogs and Why Is It Done?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. When a cataract forms, it can cause your dog's vision to become blurry, to the point where they cannot see at all.

The purpose of cataract surgery is to remove cataracts and restore vision. Not only can that improve a dog's quality of life, but it can also help avoid secondary complications associated with cataracts, including:

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Dog Cataract Surgery Cost: What to Expect

PetMD puts the average cost of cataract surgery for dogs at $2,700 to $4,000. CareCredit, on the other hand, says cataract surgery for dogs can range from $2,000 to $5,800.

The cost of cataract surgery for dogs hinges on factors that include:

Dog Cataract Surgery with Insurance: Can It Help?

Having pet insurance may help make your dog’s cataract surgery more affordable, provided your insurance policy will cover it.

PetMD says it’s common for pet insurance policies to reimburse 80% to 90% of the cost of eligible treatments. The question of how much your policy pays may boil down to its rules, the type of policy you have, and whether cataracts are a pre-existing condition for your dog.

As a general rule, unlike human insurance, pet insurance usually won’t pay for a pre-existing condition. If cataracts develop as a result of trauma or aging, you may be eligible to have your dog’s surgery covered.

However, if you’re part of a wellness program, cataract surgery may not be covered. Similarly, some pet insurance plans have an annual limit on what they’ll pay out. If you’ve already reached that limit through other expenses, you may not get reimbursed for your dog’s cataract surgery.

What to Expect During the Dog Cataract Surgery Procedure

A lot of the preparation for dog cataract surgery happens well before the procedure itself. Your dog will need an eye evaluation, as well as a health exam, to see if cataract surgery is needed and recommended.

Expect your dog to have an ocular ultrasound to examine the structure of the eye and rule out other conditions. Your dog will also likely have bloodwork done prior to surgery.

On the day of your dog’s surgery, you may be told to withhold food and water for a period of time. Your dog will then be put under anesthesia so that the surgery can be performed.

During the procedure itself, a small incision is made in the cornea, and an opening is made in the lens. The cataract is then removed, and an artificial lens is implanted into the eye.

The surgery itself may take as little as 30 to 60 minutes per eye, depending on the complexity involved. But it’s common for dogs to stay in the hospital or surgical center for at least one night following cataract surgery so that they can be monitored.

Dog Cataract Surgery Recovery

Once your dog returns home after cataract surgery, you'll need to follow a strict care routine to ensure that they're able to heal. For about two weeks, your dog will need eye drops and oral medications. Your dog will also need an E-collar or cone for roughly the first couple of weeks to prevent them from rubbing their eyes.

Expect to bring your dog in for a series of follow-up exams following their surgery. Your surgeon will share a schedule with you based on your dog's specific condition and recovery progress.

Make sure to be on the lookout for signs of complications, including redness, swelling, or discharge from your dog’s eyes. Also look for general signs of pain or discomfort, such as poor appetite on your dog’s part.

You won't be able to groom or bathe your dog for a couple of weeks following their surgery. You'll also be told to have your dog avoid strenuous exercise, though taking walks on a leash is okay.

It may take a few weeks for your dog to fully regain good vision after cataract surgery, but many dogs have their vision start to improve as early as the day after surgery.

Dog Cataract Surgery Risks and Potential Complications

While cataract surgery for dogs is generally considered safe, no procedure is completely risk-free. Some common short-term side effects from cataract surgery can include:

Unfortunately, cataract surgery can also result in long-term complications. These include:

Proper at-home care and follow-up appointments may help reduce the risk of complications for your dog after surgery.

Alternatives to Cataract Surgery

If you don't like the idea of your dog undergoing cataract surgery, or if you're worried about the cost, there may be other options you can look at. Your vet may advise you to forgo cataract surgery if your dog is very old or has health issues that make anesthesia risky.

Ultimately, cataract surgery tends to be the gold standard for treating cataracts and restoring vision. But your vet may instead be able to prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops and other medications, like glaucoma medication, to prevent secondary complications.

Helping Your Dog See Again

Cataract surgery could be your ticket to helping your dog see well again, leading to a better quality of life overall. Before you decide to have your dog undergo cataract surgery, get a thorough evaluation and talk through different options with your vet.

If you’re worried about having to pay for dog cataract surgery without insurance, know that most facilities will work with you on a payment plan that allows you to pay off your bill over time. You can also contact different facilities to compare costs.

If you’re going to go through with dog cataract surgery, make sure you fully understand what follow-up care is needed, and that you’re committed to following that routine. With your support, your dog may be able to enjoy a quick recovery and improved vision for the rest of their life.