How Much Does Foreign Object Removal Surgery Cost For Pets?

On average, removing a foreign object from a dog can cost anywhere between $1,600 to over $10,000 with surgery. Even without surgery, removing a foreign object can still cost owners between $300 to $1,200.  If you’re looking for information on foreign object removal surgery costs for dogs, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll examine foreign object removal surgery, its causes, the available treatments, and the surgical costs. Ignoring this condition can lead to more severe health issues, or even death of your dog. With more than 15 years of experience in the insurance industry as a licensed insurance agent and also, as a dog owner, I’ve seen firsthand how critical timely treatment can be to ensure your pet’s quality of life and well-being.

If the object becomes stuck in the dog’s mouth, throat, stomach, small or large intestine, then it must be removed. In some cases, where a small object is stuck in the dog’s mouth or throat, it might be possible for the vet to remove it manually without surgery. Endoscopic removal, for example, is a minimally invasive procedure to remove foreign objects from the dog’s upper GI tract. Any further down in the dog’s digestive tract and surgery will almost certainly be necessary to remove the object.

Symptoms And Diagnosis

Here are the most common symptoms your dog might display if they have a foreign object that needs to be extracted:

• Vomiting
• Difficulties with bowel movements
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive gas and drooling
• Abdominal bloating
• Lethargy

Diagnosis

In order for a veterinarian to diagnose foreign object ingestion in dogs, there are typically several steps involved:

• Medical History: The vet will get a comprehensive medical history of the dog.
• Physical Examination: The vet will conduct a thorough physical exam of your dog.
• Imaging: If the vet suspects your dog has ingested a foreign object, abdominal X-rays are usually done. Multiple views or specialized X-rays using contrast material, such as barium, are often needed. Ultrasound might be used, as well, to identify both the presence and location of the object.
• Additional Tests: Urine and blood tests might be needed to assess the dog’s overall health.

Causes

The main cause of a dog requiring intervention to remove a foreign object it has ingested is simply that dogs like to chew and swallow things. All sorts of things. Most dogs have a great deal of natural curiosity and an unfortunate tendency to chew on and swallow various items. Here are some possible causes:

1. Chewing Habits: Dogs, especially young dogs and puppies, tend to explore the world by way of their mouths. They may chew on and then swallow bones, toys, sticks, or items such as socks and underwear.
2. Food: Some foods can cause blockages. For instance, nuts, fruit pits, corn cobs—all of these and more can get swallowed and then stuck in a dog’s intestines.
3. Non-Food Objects: Dogs may well ingest non-food items like plastic, rocks, rubber, or pieces of furniture.There are cases of dogs that have swallowed unusual items such as light bulbs, golf balls, or even cell phones.
4. Linear Objects: These are the most dangerous in many cases. Items like ribbons, strings, or yarn may cause serious problems because they can get tangled up in the dog’s intestines, which can lead to a condition called intussusception, in which one part of the intestine slides into another part and causes a blockage. String, for instance, can twist itself around a dog’s intestines and cause several blockages at one.
   Treatment

The method a vet might use to remove a foreign body from your dog will depend on the nature of the object, and where it is located. In some cases, foreign materials can be easily removed from a dog’s mouth, while a scope or even open surgery might be necessary in more severe cases, like when objects have traveled farther down into the dog’s digestive tract.

Treatment options for foreign object include both non-surgical and surgical methods:

Here are some frequently used non-surgical methods of removing foreign objects from dogs:

1. Induce Vomiting: Some types of ingested objects might be expelled by inducing vomiting to expel the item. This isn’t feasible for sharp or caustic objects, and is typically used very soon after ingestion.
2. Endoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure, endoscopy involves a flexible tube with a camera–the endoscope—being used to locate and then remove the foreign object from the dog’s esophagus or stomach.This method is very often preferred for esophageal and gastric foreign body removal because it’s due lower risk as well as lower cost than surgery.
3. Manual Removal: If the object is easily accessible, such as in the dog’s mouth or throat, it may be possible to manually remove it using tools like tweezers or forceps.
4. Nasal Flushing: For foreign objects lodged in the dog’s nasal passages, a nasal flush might be performed. This method involves forcefully flushing fluid into the nasal passages to dislodge the foreign object and remove it.

The methods shown above are less invasive and may be effective, depending on the type of the object as well as its location.

How Much Does Foreign Object Removal Surgery Cost?

The cost of foreign object removal for your dog depends on several factors such as the location of the vet clinic, the experience or specialty of the veterinarian, the age and size of the dog, and its overall health. The main factor, though, in how much the procedure will cost depends on where the foreign object is located.

Here are some examples of cost based on where the foreign object is:

Mouth: $375

Esophagus: $950

Stomach: $1145

Small Intestine: $650-10,000

Large Intestine: $1,500-$10,000

What Is Included In Foreign Object Removal Surgery Cost?

The total cost of foreign object removal surgery generally includes a variety of components:

• Initial Vet Visit
• Pre-Op Diagnostics
• Anesthesia
• Surgical Procedure
• Medications Pre and Post Operative
• Elizabethan Collar
• Follow-up Visits

Real-World Examples Of Foreign Object Removal Surgery Costs

Lemonade Pet Insurance: Lemonade provides an approximate range of $2,000 to $10,000 for foreign object removal such as intestinal blockage. Removal of objects that don’t require surgical intervention are less costly.

A-Z Animals: A-Z Animals state an approximate cost range of $600 to $7,500, noting that the total price may vary based on whether surgery is needed or not, along with the severity of the condition and health factors of your dog​​.

VCA Animal Hospitals: Costs range from $800 to $10,000 depending on the location of the foreign object and the method used to remove it.

What Factors Affect The Cost Of Foreign Object Removal Surgery?

The cost of foreign object removal surgery in dogs may have wide variations depending on several factors. Understanding these factors can help you anticipate and plan for the costs if time permits, as well as better equip you to make informed decisions about your dog’s care.

• Veterinarian’s Expertise and Specialty: A board-certified veterinary surgeon might charge more because of their special training and expertise, which is critically important for more complicated cases​​.
• Geographical Location: Veterinary services cost can have significant differences based on the location of the facility, with higher costs in metropolitan areas such as large cities, and lower costs in more rural areas​.
• Type of Procedure: Cost of removing a foreign object surgically from your dog will vary depending on the object itself, where in the dog it’s located and the age and health of the dog.
• Pre-Operative Visits and Tests: The preliminary visit along with diagnostic tests like blood work and imaging as required before surgery add to the total cost​​.
• Anesthesia: Both the type and the duration of the anesthesia used during the surgical procedure can affect the total cost.
• Post-Operative Medications: Any medications used such as pain meds or anti-nausea medications are factored into the overall cost.
• Follow-Up Care: Post-Op care, which includes follow-up visits, will add to the total cost.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Foreign Object Removal Surgery For Dogs?

Pet insurance will ordinarily provide coverage for foreign object removal surgery for dogs. This may vary according to the policy and insurance provider. Usually, the majority of pet insurance policies cover surgeries for conditions such as foreign object removal surgery.

Hereditary And Congenital Conditions

Most comprehensive pet insurance policies that cover both accidents and health issues will also cover hereditary and congenital conditions. Bear in mind that pet insurance will almost never cover pre-existing conditions. So, if your dog was displaying symptoms of foreign object ingestion before you purchased the policy, surgery will probably not be covered.

MetLife Pet Insurance covers foreign object removal surgery and also covers   hereditary conditions, while advising pet owners to look over the policy for exclusions relating to pre-existing conditions​​.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Very few pet insurance policies will provide coverage for pre-existing conditions. If your dog is diagnosed as having a foreign object that must be removed prior to your purchase of the policy, or shows symptoms during the waiting period before the policy goes into effect, the surgery may not be covered​​.

How Can I Save Money On Foreign Object Removal Surgery?

Saving money on foreign object removal surgery for your dog might be achieved through various strategies.

First of all, you might consider purchasing pet insurance that will cover accidents along with regular health issues and hereditary and congenital conditions, too. This can greatly offset the cost of healthcare and treatment for your dog. Many pet insurance policies cover the surgery after deductibles and coinsurance, possibly saving you hundreds to thousands of dollars in the process. It’s wise to enroll your dog in pet insurance early in order to avoid issues that might arise with pre-existing condition exclusions.

Another way to save on surgery costs as well as other health problems with your dog is by looking into financing options or payment plans sometimes offered by veterinary clinics. Some offer pet owners interest-free payments or financing plan options that can help spread the cost over time, instead of paying all at once. You might also look into veterinary schools in your area that offer discount rates for procedures performed by supervised students.

What Breeds Are Typically Affected By Foreign Object Removal Surgery?

The fact is that no particular breed of dog is more prone to foreign object removal surgery than another. Labrador retrievers are known to chew and swallow almost anything, but then, so are all of the other breeds. Basically, if you have a dog, there is the potential for it ingesting foreign objects that will need intervention by a veterinarian.

Knowing this up front will hopefully make you more conscious of this possibility, and more alert to preventing it.

Is Surgery Required For Foreign Object Removal In Dogs?

Surgical removal of a foreign object is generally required if the object has become lodged within the dog’s intestines, or if it can’t be safely extracted from the esophagus or stomach using endoscopy. Open surgery is invasive and always necessitates general anesthesia.

So, a rule of thumb is that any foreign object lodged past your dog’s mouth or esophagus is going to require surgical intervention to remove it.

What Happens If A Foreign Object Is Left Untreated?

Immediate Risks

Perforation: Sharp objects that are ingested by your dog can puncture its stomach or intestines, which will cause internal bleeding and/or infection.

Obstruction: The foreign object can result in a blockage in the dog’s digestive tract, which will prevent food and water from passing on through. This will cause  electrolyte imbalances due to vomiting and dehydration.

Long-Term Problems

Necrosis: Tissue surrounding the blockage caused by the foreign object can die due to lack of blood flow, which will then lead to more serious complications that require more complex surgery.

Infection: A foreign object may cause infection in the dog’s digestive tract, which can then spread to other parts of the body if not treated in a timely manner.

How Can I Prevent Foreign Object Removal Surgery For My Dog?

It isn’t always possible to prevent your dog from swallowing something not meant to be swallowed. Still, by being mindful of a dog’s proclivity for chewing and ingesting anything it can get its mouth on, you will probably be able to avoid a worst case scenario in many instances. Here are some tips for preventing foreign object removal surgery for your dog:

Choose Safe Toys

Choose dog toys that are appropriate for your pet’s size and its chewing habits.

Avoid getting toys with small parts that may be easily chewed off and subsequently swallowed, such as plush toys with plastic eyes that are sewn on.

Supervise Playtime

Supervise your dog when it has a new toy, if at all possible.

Remove toys that are beginning to come apart or show signs of wear.

Pet-Proof Your Home

Strive to keep small objects such as buttons, coins, jewelry or similar items out of your dog’s reach.

Keep household items like paper clips, rubber bands, trash bag ties, and sewing notions in secure, canine=proof containers.

Proper Training

Teach your pet commands such as “drop it” or “leave it” to stop them from picking up potentially dangerous items.