How Much Does Eye Ulcer Surgery For Dogs Cost?

The cost of eye ulcer surgery for dogs can vary widely depending on several factors, including the severity of the ulcer, the type of surgery required, and your location. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000. This estimate typically includes the surgical procedure itself, preoperative tests, medications, anesthesia, and postoperative care.

In this article, we’ll examine eye ulcer surgery for dogs, causes of eye ulcers, treatments, and, perhaps most importantly, the costs of the surgery. Failure to treat this condition in your dog can lead to serious health issues, like chronic eye infections or even blindness. With more than fifteen years of experience in the insurance industry and as a dog owner myself, I’ve seen how important timely intervention and treatment may be to safeguard your dog’s well-being and quality of life.

What Is An Eye Ulcer In Dogs?

An eye ulcer in dogs, also commonly referred to as a corneal ulcer, is an open sore on the cornea, which is the transparent, outer layer of the eye. These eye ulcers may be very painful and can develop suddenly or over a period of time.

Symptoms And Diagnosis

Common signs of an eye ulcer in dogs include:

• Redness and excessive tearing
• Squinting or rubbing at the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• A white or cloudy appearance on the cornea

A veterinarian can diagnose eye ulcers through a physical examination of the eye. In some cases, additional tests may be performed to rule out other eye conditions and assess the eye’s overall health.

Causes

1. Trauma: Trauma is the most common cause and may occur from foreign objects in the eye, scratches, or chemical burns.
2. Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Insufficient tear production may cause irritation and, over time,  ulceration.
3. Eyelid Abnormalities: Conditions like entropion (eyelids roll inward) or ectropion (eyelids roll outward) may cause the eyelashes or hair to rub against the cornea.
4. Infections: Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections can cause development of corneal ulcers.
5. Foreign Bodies: Objects such as grass seeds or splinters can get stuck in the eye and cause corneal ulcers.
6. Chemical Irritation: Exposure to irritating substances such as shampoo or even dust may damage the cornea, causing an ulcer.

Treatment

Treatment typically involves:

• Medications: Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops to treat infection and reduce inflammation.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the ulcer.

Vets will typically usually provide fast pain relief by numbing the eye, then examining the different layers of the eye with a magnifying tool and special light. Fluorescent dye is used to help highlight where and how deeply the cornea has been damaged and look for any other underlying issues.

In severe cases, surgery might be the most viable option for healing the ulcer and saving the dog’s vision.

If surgery is necessary, the cost will naturally be considerably higher than for a simple ulcer that can be quickly healed with non-surgical methods. A pre-op visit to the vet for diagnosis is necessary, along with bloodwork and diagnostic tests to ensure that the dog is physically healthy enough to undergo surgery.

The surgery procedure itself may vary depending on the severity of the ulcer. Typically, it might entail:

1. Debridement: Dead or tissue that isn’t healing properly from the ulcer is removed. This may be done using either a cotton swab or a special instrument.
2. Grid Keratotomy: Very small scratches are made on the cornea of the dog’s eye to promote healing by encouraging the growth of new tissue.
3. Corneal Graft: For very deep and/or large eye ulcers, it may be necessary to do a corneal graft in which  healthy corneal tissue is transplanted to the affected area.
4. Conjunctival Graft: In severe cases, a piece of conjunctiva–which is the pink tissue around the eye–is sutured over the corneal ulcer to protect it as well as to promote healing.

Post-Surgery

1. Medications: Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops are usually prescribed to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
2. Protective Measures: Your dog may need to wear an E collar to prevent scratching or rubbing its eye.
3. Follow-Up Visits: Check-ups are vital in order to monitor healing as well as addressing any complications.

Recovery time varies, but the majority of dogs begin to feel better within a week,and you can expect complete healing in just a few weeks

How Much Does Eye Ulcer Surgery For Dogs Cost?

The cost of eye ulcer surgery for dogs can vary based on several factors, including the veterinarian’s experience, and the surgical technique used, plus the geographical location of the veterinary facility. On average, you can probably count on the overall cost ranging from $1,000 to $3,000

What Is Included In The Cost Of Eye Ulcer Surgery For Dogs?

• Pre-Op Tests: Blood work as well as other diagnostic tests ensure if your dog is in good enough health for surgery.
• Anesthesia: The cost of anesthesia used during the surgical procedure.
• Surgical Procedure: The actual surgery itself to repair the corneal ulcer.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relief medications, and antibiotics.
• Post-Op Care: Follow-up visits to address complications and monitor healing.
• Protective Measures: Cones (E-Collars) to prevent your dog from rubbing or scratching the affected eye.
• Specialized Aftercare: Additional treatments or special aftercare may be required after the surgery in some cases..
• Emergency Care: Emergency care may add to the overall cost if complications arise.

Real-World Examples Of Eye Ulcer Surgery Costs

• A-Z Animals: They report a general cost range of $300 to $3,500, depending on factors such as the age and health of the dog.
• Lemonade Pet Insurance: Lemonade provides a cost range of $300 to $3,000 for eye ulcer surgery in dogs.
• VCA Animal Hospitals: Costs range from $1,000 to $3,000 for eye ulcer surgery in dogs. Note that more complex cases may be more costly.

What Factors Affect The Cost Of Eye Ulcer Surgery In Dogs?

The cost of eye ulcer surgery can vary significantly based on several factors. Understanding these factors can help you anticipate the expenses and make informed decisions about your pet’s care.

Several factors can influence the cost of eye ulcer surgery in dogs:

• Severity of Ulcer: More complex and costly surgical procedures may be required with severe ulcers.
• Type of Surgery: Depending on the type of surgical techniques, including conjunctival flaps or corneal grafts, the cost may be higher.
• Veterinary Expertise: Specialists or veterinary ophthalmologists who are board certified might cost more than general vets.
• Pre-Op Tests: Diagnostic tests such as eye exams, imaging, and blood work, can add to the total cost.
• Anesthesia: The price might be affected by the. type and duration of anesthesia required.
• Medications: Post-Op meds such as antibiotics and/or pain relief, are added costs.
• Post-Op Care: Additional treatments, follow-up visits, or complications can increase costs.
• Geographic Location: Veterinary costs may vary greatly by the region and the clinic itself.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Eye Ulcer Surgery In Dogs?

Pet insurance will usually cover eye ulcer surgery for dogs, but it will depend on the policy and whether or not  the condition is pre-existing. If the eye ulcer developed after you purchased the pet insurance, the surgery will probably be covered. If the ulcer was present before the policy started, however, it probably will not be covered.

Hereditary And Congenital Conditions

A lot of pet insurance policies that cover both accidents and illness will cover congenital conditions such as eye ulcers. For instance, Lemonade Pet Insurance generally covers eye ulcer surgery, excluding deductibles and coinsurance, provided the policy was in place before symptoms appeared​.

MetLife Pet Insurance covers eye ulcer surgery, too, under its policies that include hereditary and congenital conditions,and advises pet owners to be sure and check for exclusions of pre-existing conditions​​.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Very few pet insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions. If your pet is diagnosed with an eye ulcer before you purchase the policy, or it shows symptoms during the waiting period, the surgery most likely will not be covered​​.

How Can I Save Money On Eye Ulcer Surgery?

Saving money on eye ulcer surgery for your dog can be achieved through several strategies.

First, consider getting pet insurance that covers hereditary and congenital conditions, as this can significantly offset the cost. Many comprehensive pet insurance plans will cover the surgery after deductibles and coinsurance, potentially saving you hundreds to thousands of dollars. It’s important to enroll your pet in insurance early to avoid issues with pre-existing condition exclusions.

Another way to save is by exploring financing options or payment plans offered by veterinary clinics. Some clinics offer interest-free payment plans or financing options that can help you manage the cost over time. Additionally, look for veterinary schools that might offer discounted rates for procedures performed by supervised students.

What Breeds Are Typically Affected By Eye Ulcers?

Eye ulcers in dogs are not generally congenital. However, there are congenital conditions that can predispose dogs to developing them. For instance, dogs with eyelid abnormalities such as entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward, or ectropion, where the eyelid sags outward, are more prone to corneal ulcers. Some breeds, especially the brachycephalic, flat faced breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, are more likely to develop eye issues because of their prominent eyes.

Brachycephalic Breeds

These breeds have shorter skulls and flatter faces, which can contribute to eye problems such as corneal eye ulcers:

• Lhasa Apsos
• Pugs
• Boston Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• Pekingese
• Bulldogs
• American Cocker Spaniels
• Boxers
• English Bulldogs

Sporting Breeds

These dog breeds are more prone to eye ulcers due to genetic factors or their eye structure:

• English Springer Spaniels: At risk for eye problems, including corneal ulcers.
• Golden Retrievers: Similar to Labrador Retrievers, they can suffer from progressive retinal atrophy and other eye conditions, including eye ulcers.
• Labrador Retrievers: These dogs are known for their susceptibility to progressive retinal atrophy along with other eye issues, including eye ulcers.

Other Affected Breeds

While the above categories cover many of the commonly affected breeds, there are other breeds that can develop eye ulcers, also:

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Chihuahuas
• White West Highland Terriers

Is Surgery Required For Eye Ulcers In Dogs?

Surgery for eye ulcers in dogs isn’t always required, but it can be necessary in some cases. The treatment approach for eye ulcers in dogs will depend on the cause as well as the severity of the ulcer. Here are some possible scenarios:

• Mild Ulcers: Mild eye ulcers may often be treated with pain relief, topical antibiotics, and eye drops that promote healing of the eye.
• Moderate Ulcers: If the ulcer isn’t responding to treatment and healing with initial treatment,more medications or procedures such as debridement to remove dead tissue might be needed.
• Severe or Deep Ulcers: More severe and/or deep eye ulcers might require surgery. Procedures may include:
• Conjunctival grafts: Tissue from the conjunctiva is used to cover the ulcer.
• Corneal transplants: A corneal transplant may be necessary in rare cases.
• Tarsorrhaphy: This is a procedure in which the dog’s eyelids are temporarily sewn together partially closed, in order to protect the eye and promote healing.
• Underlying Conditions: If an underlying condition such as dry eye or an abnormality of the eyelid is causing the eye ulcers, surgery might be necessary to correct these problems.

What Happens If Eye Ulcers Are Left Untreated?

If eye ulcers in dogs aren’t treated, they can lead to several serious complications, including:

• Corneal Rupture: The ulcer might deepen and over time cause the cornea to rupture, also, leading to loss of the eye.
• Infection: The ulcer can develop infection, resulting in pain and discharge.
• Chronic Pain: Your dog might experience chronic pain and discomfort, causing behaviors such as pawing at its eye or rubbing it against surfaces.
• Blindness: Untreated ulcers may cause permanent blindness due to damage to the cornea.

Early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to preventing these outcomes along with restoring your dog’s comfort and vision.

How Can I Prevent Eye Ulcers?

Prevention of eye ulcers in dogs involves a combination of  regular check-ups, good hygiene, and being mindful of their environment so as to avoid trauma to the eye. Here are some things you can do:

• Keep Eyes Clean: Clean around your dog’s eyes with a damp cloth (gently please) to remove discharge or debris.
• Avoid Irritants: Avoid having your dog around environments with smoke, dust, or chemicals that might cause eye irritation.
• Monitor Playtime: Supervise your dog during play to avoid injuries from sharp objects or too-rough play.
• Healthy Diet: Feed your dog a balanced diet to support its overall health, including eye health.
• Regular Vet Visits: Regular check-ups with your vet will help to catch eye issues early.
• Protective Gear: If your dog is a brachycephalic breed or prone to eye injuries, you might consider using protective goggles during activities such as hiking or playing in very rough terrain.