How Much Does Dog Broken Leg Surgery Cost?

The cost of surgery for a dog’s broken leg can vary significantly based on factors including the type of fracture, your dog’s overall health, the location of the clinic, and the equipment the surgeon uses.

In this article, we’ll take a look at a broken leg in dogs, the possible causes, treatments available, along with the costs of the surgery. Failure to treat a dog’s broken leg can lead to severe repercussions such as lameness or even amputation of the limb. As a dog owner myself with more than fifteen years of experience in the insurance industry, I’ve seen how important timely treatment might be to ensure your pet’s well being and overall health.

Symptoms And Diagnosis

Here are some common symptoms that might be observed in a dog with a broken leg:

• Limping or lameness
• Holding up the affected limb or not bearing weight on it
• Swelling of a limb
• Vocalization due to pain
• Licking at the affected paw or leg
• Open wound or bruise (not always present)

A vet uses a combination of diagnostic imaging and a physical exam to diagnose a dog’s broken leg:

• Physical Examination: The veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical exam of the dog first, looking for signs of swelling, abnormal movement, and pain. They will check for any bruises or wounds, as well.
• X-Rays: Following a physical exam, the veterinarian will probably recommend X-rays of the injured limb, which can help determine the extent as well as type of the broken bone.

Other tests may be recommended such as abdominal and chest X-Rays, blood work, and an ultrasound of the abdomen.

Causes

A dog may have a broken leg because of several reasons, including:

• Physical Trauma: This is the most common cause and can include accidents such as being hit by a car or falling from a height.
• Exercise and Play: High energy type play and activities may sometimes lead to accidents such as a broken leg.
• Disease: Conditions such as cancer or osteoporosis in dogs can weaken bones, which makes the possibility of a fracture more of a likelihood. Inherited collagen defects or bone cancer in dogs may weaken a dog’s bones and render them more susceptible to a fracture, also.
• Diet: A dog’s diet that has too much Vitamin A or phosphorus, or insufficient calcium, may contribute to weak bones and an increased risk of fracture.
• Age: Older dogs usually have bones that are more fragile, as do younger dogs with bones that haven’t completely formed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a dog’s broken leg encompass non-surgical as well as surgical methods:

There are a number of treatment options for a dog’s broken leg, and the best overall approach is dependent upon the dog’s age, its general health, type of fracture sustained, and the dog’s activity level.

Here are some common non-surgical treatment options:

• Rest: Some types of fractures, like greenstick fractures, for example, that might occur in young dogs whose bones are still flexible,  may only need rest as a treatment.
• Casts/Splints: For most simple fractures, casts or splints are used to immobilize the bone so that it may heal.
• Pain Management: No matter what treatment method is used, it’s vitally important to manage the dog’s pain. This ordinarily involves prescription pain medications.
• Physical Therapy: Once the bone has completely healed, the vet may recommend physical therapy to help the dog regain its mobility and strength in the limb.
• Surgical Treatments: Surgery is required in quite a few cases for complex fractures. The procedure might involve the use of screws, pins, or plates to stabilize the broken bone.

How Much Does Broken Leg Surgery Cost?

On average, the actual surgery itself for a dog’s broken leg is between $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Bear in mind that there will be other costs incurred such as medications, diagnostic tests, pre-op and post-op care, hospitalization, and possibly more.

What Is Included In The Surgery Cost?

The cost of broken leg surgery in dogs typically includes the following  components:

1. Office Visit: The initial visit to your veterinarian or emergency vet facility could cost anywhere between $50 to $200, on the low side.
2. Surgery: The cost of the surgery itself can range from $200 to $5,000 or more, depending on the severity and type of the fracture. This cost can vary widely and depends on how many bones in the leg are broken, where the fracture is located, and if the break is open or closed.
3. Other Costs: The total price of broken bone surgery on dogs usually includes anything pertaining to the actual surgery, including such things as anesthesia medication, surgical monitoring equipment, hospitalization, IV catheter placement and fluids, X-rays, and bloodwork. Along with these, a dog’s overall health, temperament, and age, affect how much the surgery will cost, too.
4. Post-Op Care: Post-operative care, which includes physical therapy, medication, and follow-up visits may all add to the final, total cost.

Real-World Examples Of Broken Leg Surgery Costs

1. VCA Animal Hospitals: Costs can range of $500 to $2,000 for an uncomplicated surgery of a dog’s broken leg. Cases that are more complex or those that require specialized care might be higher​ ​.
2. Lemonade Pet Insurance: This company provides a range of $1,500 to $2,000 for surgery for a dog’s broken leg, provided it doesn’t need more complicated surgical procedures. Pet owners can choose reimbursement of either 70%, 80%, or 90%, so the total cost to a policyholder will depend on which tier they selected,
3. A-Z Animals: A-Z Animals report an average cost range of $2,000 to $5,000. This cost depends on several factors such as the overall health of the dog, the type of fracture, and the dog’s age.

What Factors Affect The Cost Of Broken Leg Surgery?

The cost of broken leg surgery for dogs may differ greatly depending on a variety of factors. Having a good understanding of these factors can be helpful to a pet owner in anticipating the expenses involved as well as making informed decisions about a dog’s treatment.

• Type of Fracture: The type along with the severity of the bone fracture could affect the cost. Fractures that are complex may require complicated surgery, which may increase the total cost.
• Type of Clinic: The type of veterinary clinic, whether it’s an emergency hospital or a general practice clinic, may also influence the cost.
• Location of Clinic: The geographical location of the clinic can play a big part in the cost. Prices may vary widely depending on the cost of living along with the average annual income in the area.
• Other Costs: Other costs might include medications, post-operative care, and follow-up visits.
• Equipment: The type of equipment the veterinary surgeon uses can also affect the cost.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Broken Leg Surgery?

Yes, pet insurance typically covers surgeries that are necessary to heal your pet or save their life, including surgery for a broken leg. However, the coverage depends on the specifics of your policy and the nature of the injury. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Elective Procedures: Pet insurance will almost never provide coverage for elective surgeries such as dew claw removal or tail docking.
2. Pre-existing Conditions: As a general rule, pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. If your dog had the condition before the policy started, surgery to treat that condition wouldn’t be covered.
3. Accident and Illness: Surgery coverage is ordinarily a basic part of pet insurance. So, if your dog has a broken leg and needs surgery, provided it isn’t related to a pre-existing condition, insurance will probably cover it.

Hereditary And Congenital Conditions

Breed Predisposition: Some breeds are more prone to fractures due to their bone structure and activity levels.

Many comprehensive pet insurance policies cover hereditary and congenital conditions, including a broken leg. For instance, Lemonade Pet Insurance usually covers the cost of surgery for a broken leg in dogs, excluding co-insurance and deductibles, as long as the policy was in effect before symptoms appeared​.

MetLife Pet Insurance covers broken leg surgery in dogs, as well, under their policies that include hereditary conditions. They do advise pet owners to check for exclusions related to pre-existing conditions​​.

Pre-Existing Conditions

The majority of pet insurance policies don’t have coverage for pre-existing conditions. If your pet was diagnosed with a broken leg prior to your purchase of the policy, or if it displayed symptoms during the policy waiting period, the surgery may not be covered​​.

How Can I Save Money On Broken Leg Surgery?

Saving money on the cost of broken leg surgery for your dog may be accomplished through various strategies:

• Low-Cost Clinics: Some veterinary clinics offer low cost services. Be sure to ask your vet about any such clinics or hospitals in your area that offer payment plans.
• Payment Plans: Many veterinarians offer payment plans that let you spread the total cost of the surgery over time.
• Medical Credit Cards: Some credit card companies offer cards that are specifically for healthcare expenses, which includes veterinary care.
• Pet Insurance: If you have pet insurance, it can greatly reduce the cost of surgery. If you don’t have it, you might consider purchasing it for future pet health incidents.
• Nonprofit Charities and Organizations: There are charities and organizations that offer financial assistance for pet owners who cannot afford veterinary care.

What Breeds Are Typically Affected By A Broken Leg?

All breeds of dogs can potentially suffer from broken legs, but certain breeds may be more prone to leg injuries due to their size, activity level, and genetic predispositions1. Here are some breeds that are often mentioned:

Additionally, toy breeds with tiny, fragile limbs may be more prone to injuries as they can easily be stepped on. Young, adventurous pups and older dogs are also more likely to experience fractures.

Large Breeds:

• Labrador Retrievers: Active and very energetic dogs, which may occasionally lead to an injury.
• Rottweilers: These large dogs may be susceptible to leg and joint problems.
• German Shepherds: Known for their agility and speed, they can also be prone to leg injuries.

Toy Breeds:

• Maltese: This breed is small and delicate, which can make them more susceptible to injuries.French Poodles: They are active and agile, which can sometimes lead to injuries.

Sporting Breeds:

• Golden Retrievers: They have longer backs than normal, which can make them more susceptible to injuries.
• Border Collies: They are also known to have longer backs, which can lead to a higher risk of injuries.

Other Affected Breeds:

These dogs all have long backs, making them more prone to spinal injuries which can indirectly cause broken legs.

• Basset Hounds
• Corgis
• Dachshunds

Is Surgery Required For A Broken Leg?

No, surgery is not always required for a dog’s broken leg. It depends on what type of fracture it is, the dog’s level of activity, the age of the dog, and its overall health condition.

In many cases, the broken leg may heal with just a cast or splint for immobilization until the bone has knit back together. Some types of fractures, such as a greenstick fracture in a young dog, might heal without any intervention or treatment except pain management.

What Happens If A Broken Leg Is Left Untreated?

If you suspect that your dog has a broken leg, you should seek veterinary care for it immediately. Failure to get timely medical care might lead to some severe problems, including:

• Fracture Worsens: The fracture might worsen over time, causing a more severe injury.
• Discomfort and Pain: The dog could have ongoing pain, debility and discomfort.
• Abnormal Movement: The dog might develop an abnormal movement or gait because of the untreated broken leg.
• Infection: If the bone fracture is open and goes untreated, it may become contaminated and infected. This bone infection might be difficult to heal and bring on other complications.
• Lameness: The dog might end up lame for the rest of its life.
• Amputation: If the bone injury is severe or too contaminated, amputation of the leg may become necessary.

How Can I Prevent A Broken Leg?

While you can’t always prevent your dog from breaking a leg, there are measures that can be effective against such an incident:

1. Routine Veterinary Exams: Regular vet check-ups can help spot potential problems, making for early intervention..
2. Leash During Walks: Keep your dog on a leash while walking to control their movements, thus reducing risk of accidents.
3. Secure Environment: Give your dog a safe, friendly environment without hazards that could cause accidents or falls.
4. Avoid Extreme Physical Exertion or Repetitive Motions: Always avoid those types of activities with your dog that may put undue stress on its legs.
5. Good Nutrition and Weight Control: Maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet will help to build and maintain strong bones. Overweight dogs are also more susceptible to injuries.
6. Consistency in Exercise: Consistent, regular exercise and conditioning play an important part in the building and maintenance of strong, healthy legs for a dog.