How Much Does Dog Hernia Surgery Cost?

An inguinal hernia is a condition that can affect dogs. It occurs when the dog’s abdominal contents, such as organs or fat, bulge through the inguinal canal in the groin area. Needless to say, this can be quite distressing for pets as well as their owners. If you’re searching for information on inguinal hernia surgery costs for dogs, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll look at inguinal hernias, their available treatments, causes, and—perhaps of paramount importance—the costs of this surgery. Ignoring a hernia might lead to more serious health problems, such as chronic eye infections or even loss of vision. With over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry and as a dog owner, I’ve seen how critical timely intervention can be to ensure your pet’s well-being.

What Is Inguinal Hernia Surgery In Dogs?

Inguinal hernia surgery in dogs, also referred to as herniorrhaphy, is the repair of a hernia that takes place when internal organs or tissues protrude through the inguinal canal in the area of the dog’s groin. Below is a simplified overview of this procedure:

1. Incision and Repositioning: The veterinary surgeon makes an incision into the dog’s abdomen in order to access the organs that have herniated. Then, these organs are repositioned and put back into their correct place within the abdomen.
2. Repair and Closure: During surgery, the dog’s inguinal canal is either partially or completely closed to prevent hernias occurring in the future. If any of the dog’s intestine is damaged, it may have to be removed and then healthy parts reconnected. A graft may be needed in some cases.
3. Recovery: After the surgery, recovery will depend on the characteristics of the hernia as well as the surgery’s complexity. It is critical that pet owners follow the vet’s instructions regarding aftercare, to ensure healing.

Symptoms And Diagnosis

• Pain: Discomfort or pain, especially when the area is touched.
• Swelling: Swelling is almost always noticeable in the dog’s groin area, which might also be warm and painful when touched.
• Loss of Appetite: Your dog might not be hungry.
• Vomiting: This is a possible sign of obstruction and is an emergency.

Diagnosis

• Physical Examination: Your vet will palpate (feel) the dog’s groin area to check for swelling and/or pain.
• Imaging: Ultrasounds or X-rays might be used to assess the hernia’s extent.

Treatment

• Surgery: The primary treatment of an inguinal hernia in dogs is surgical repair to reposition the protruding parts and then close the hernia.
• Post-Operative Care:Care after the surgical procedure consists of pain management, monitoring for complications, and restricting the dog’s activity.

Treatment options for inguinal hernias in dogs include non-surgical as well as surgical intervention. There are two types of inguinal hernias, reducible and irreducible. Treatment will depend on which type your dog has. Here are the two types:

Reducible

Usually smaller sized, a reducible inguinal hernia in dogs is one in which the protrusion is no more than abdominal lining or fat that may be pushed safely back into the abdomen by a vet. In most of these cases, the only symptom is swelling of the herniated site.

Irreducible

An irreducible inguinal hernia is one where part of one or more of the dog’s abdominal organs are protruding from the opening. If your dog shows symptoms beyond swelling at the herniated site, it might indicate an irreducible hernia. This type of inguinal hernia is more severe, because the affected organ(s) involved can become entrapped, which compromises their function.

In some severe cases, the flow of blood may be totally cut off from an organ, causing necrosis.(tissue death) This is called organ strangulation and is an emergency.

It’s critically important that diagnosis and treatment take place quickly, since untreated irreducible hernias may cause strangulated organs, infection and tissue death. In some strangulation cases, the dead or necrotic section of tissue may be removed, and the organ or intestine repaired with healthy tissues. The success of this procedure depends significantly upon what tissue is affected as well as how much.

How Much Does Inguinal Surgery In Dogs Cost?

The cost of inguinal hernia surgery in dogs may vary based on a variety of factors, such as how complex the surgery is, the location of the clinic, and whether it is performed by a general practitioner or a veterinary surgeon who is board certified. Here are three  general estimates:

• General Practitioner: Usually ranges from $800 to as much as $1,200.
• Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon: Typically higher cost, ranging between $1,200 and $2,500.
• Overall Average: The overall average cost of inguinal hernia surgery in dogs is around $2,300.

Additional costs may include such things as preoperative diagnostics, preoperative and post-operative medications, along with follow up visits.

What Is Included In The Cost Of Inguinal Hernia Surgery For Dogs?

Actual costs will depend on various factors, such as the expertise of the veterinarian or surgeon, the location of the veterinary practice, the age and size of the dog, the dog’s overall health, and any complications from the hernia such as strangulated bowel. The total cost of inguinal hernia surgery ordinarily encompasses these components:

• Initial Vet Visit and Exam
• Pre-Operative Tests
• Anesthesia
• Surgical Procedure
• Medications
• Post-Operative Vet Visits

Some vets include post-op check ups in the total quote, and others don’t.

Real-World Examples Of Inguinal Hernia Surgery Costs

• Lemonade Pet Insurance: Lemonade Pet Insurance estimates the cost of inguinal hernia surgery in dogs at about $2,300.
• A-Z Animals: This company reports a general cost range of $700 to $2,500.
• VCA Animal Hospitals: They state a cost between $400 to $8,000, depending on various factors.

What Factors Affect The Cost Of Inguinal Hernia Surgery?

The total cost of inguinal hernia surgery for dogs may have significant differences based on various factors. Having an understanding of these particular factors could help you anticipate the costs and be better equipped to make informed decisions about your dog’s care.

• Veterinarian’s Experience and Specialty: A board certified veterinary surgeon might charge more for their specialized training along with expertise, which could be critical for complicated cases​​.
• Location: Typically, veterinary facilities located in large, metropolitan areas are higher in cost than those in rural areas​.
• Pre-Operative Visits and Tests: Diagnostic tests and examinations by a vet are necessary before surgery in almost all cases, which may add to total cost​​.
• Anesthesia: The type as well as the duration of anesthesia used for the surgery can greatly affect the overall cost.
• Post-Operative Medications: Post-op medications ordinarily consist of pain meds, anti-nausea, and sometimes an anti-anxiety medication for very anxious dogs.

Follow-Up Visits: Post-operative care, which includes medications and follow-up vet visits, can add to the complete cost.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Inguinal Hernia Surgery?

Pet insurance coverage for inguinal hernia surgery in dogs usually varies by the policy and provider. The majority of pet insurance plans will cover surgeries for conditions such as inguinal hernia, provided it isn’t a pre-existing condition.

Hereditary And Congenital Conditions

Many, or even most, comprehensive pet insurance policies provide coverage for hereditary along with congenital conditions, including inguinal hernia in dogs. For example, Lemonade Pet Insurance will ordinarily cover the cost of this surgery, excluding deductibles and coinsurance, as long as the policy was in place before symptoms appeared​.

It will also cover inguinal hernia surgery under its policies that include hereditary conditions. You should check for any exclusions related to pre-existing conditions​​.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Most pet insurance policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions. If your dog is diagnosed as having an inguinal hernia before you purchase the policy, or shows symptoms during the waiting period, the surgery may not be covered​​.

How Can I Save Money On Inguinal Hernia Surgery?

There are several strategies that may help you save money on your dog’s inguinal hernia surgery.

First of all, you might consider obtaining pet insurance that will cover both hereditary and congenital conditions, as this may offset the cost considerably. A lot of comprehensive pet insurance plans cover the surgery after deductibles and coinsurance, which can save you anywhere from hundreds to even thousands of dollars. Enrolling your dog in insurance early is a wise move as it helps to avoid issues with exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Another way to cut costs on inguinal hernia surgery for your dog is to check into financing options or payment plans sometimes offered by veterinary clinics. Some clinics will offer no-interest payment plans or other financing options that let you spread the cost over time. Also, check to find out if there are veterinary schools in your area  that may offer discounted rates for procedures performed by students under supervision.

What Breeds Typically Need Inguinal Hernia Surgery?

While certain breeds are more likely to develop inguinal hernias, there are other factors in play, also, such as:

• Congenital Factors: Some dogs are born with a predisposition to inguinal hernias.
• Gender and Age: Middle-aged and older intact, unspayed female dogs are more likely to experience acquired inguinal hernias because of hormonal influences along with the physical strain of pregnancy.
• Obesity and/or Pregnancy: The extra weight of a pregnant uterus in a female dog, or excess fat in any dog, can stretch as well as weaken the inguinal canal.

Young male dogs of small breeds are more usually affected by congenital inguinal hernias. Specific breeds are more prone to inguinal hernias, such as:

• Basenjis
• Pomeranians
• Pekingese
• Poodles
• Cairn Terriers
• West Highland White Terriers
• Cocker Spaniels
• Dachshunds
• Miniature Pinscher
• Boston Terriers
• Lhasa Apsos

They are also more prevalent in the following larger breeds:

• Collies
• Springer Spaniels
• Bull Terriers
• Australian Cattle Dogs

In rare cases, inguinal hernias might occur secondary to trauma in dogs of any age or either sex. This trauma can cause disruption along with weakening of the caudal abdominal muscles, and is sometimes accompanied by other hernias in the area.

Is Surgery Required For An Inguinal Hernia?

In most cases, yes. The exception, as mentioned earlier, is an inguinal hernia that is reducible, meaning that it is a slight bulge that a vet may safely push carefully back into place without surgery. In these cases, there are things pet owners can do to possibly prevent an inguinal hernia or prevent the recurrence of one that was manually pushed back into place by the vet.

• If the dog is obese, weight management can help head off an inguinal hernia or keep a previous hernia from coming back.
• Restricting activity is another helpful strategy. Limiting strenuous exercise can be helpful in preventing an inguinal hernia.
• You might also use supportive measures such as a belt that fastens around the dog’s abdomen and helps to prevent herniation.
• Regular vet visits to monitor your dog for signs of an inguinal hernia can be a proactive way to avoid it.

However, the majority of inguinal hernias will need surgery. One of the major threats of an inguinal hernia is the danger of organ or intestinal entrapment. In that event, the situation is life threatening and must be addressed immediately…the sooner the better.

What Happens If An Inguinal Hernia Is Left Untreated?

If an inguinal hernia in a dog is left untreated, it can lead to several serious complications:

1. Obstruction: An inguinal hernia may cause a blockage in the dog’s intestines, which leads to severe pain, inability to pass stool, and vomiting.
2. Strangulation: The hernia might trap a part of the intestine or other tissues, and cut off blood supply. This results in tissue death and is a life or death emergency.
3. Pain: Inguinal hernias may be quite painful, affecting your dog’s quality of life.
4. Infection: Entrapped tissues caused by inguinal hernias might become infected, causing abscesses or systemic infections.

It’s vitally important to consult a vet right away if you suspect your dog might have an inguinal hernia. Early intervention could prevent complications and might even save your pet’s life.

How Can I Prevent The Need For Inguinal Hernia Surgery?

There are various steps that pet owners might take to help prevent the need of inguinal hernia surgery for their dog. A healthy diet and exercise plan that promotes overall good health and prevents obesity is one such approach.

Avoiding trauma that might lead to an inguinal hernia is another thing that could prove helpful in avoiding surgery to correct it after the fact. Breed awareness, as well, is a big factor that you should keep in mind to hopefully avoid problems with inguinal hernias in your dog.

Spaying your female dog will help to avoid an inguinal hernia, too.

These steps can help to reduce the risk of an inguinal hernia, but it’s important for you to understand that because of the genetic nature of inguinal hernia in some dogs, it can’t be totally prevented.