How Much Does Dog Cataract Surgery Cost?

As your dog ages, you may notice their eyes becoming foggy or hazy. Cloudy eyes can be a natural part of a senior dog’s life. But it can also indicate a medical issue, such as cataracts. 

If your veterinarian confirms your dog has cataracts, the next step may be surgery. Whether the operation is on one or both eyes, you can expect the cost of dog cataract surgery to be in the thousands. 

But there are ways you can save money on your dog’s cataract surgery, including comparison shopping and veterinary school services.

What are cataracts?

When a dog’s eye is healthy, the lens is clear, allowing incoming light to pass through to the retina. But with a canine cataract, the lens is clouded, preventing light from reaching the retina. Cataracts form when proteins in the eye clump together, leading to decreased vision or blindness.

Symptoms of cataracts in dogs include:

• Cloudy, white eyes

• Loss of vision

• Difficulty in bright light or pure darkness

• Moving cautiously

• Tending to stay closer than usual to their owner

How much does dog cataract surgery cost?

The average cost of dog cataract surgery could be anywhere from $2,800 to $4,900. But the initial charge may not include: 

• Preliminary examination 

• Electroretinogram (ERG)

• Ocular ultrasound 

• Operating room use

• Anesthesia

• Hospitalization 

• Medications 

What factors affect the cost of dog cataract surgery? 

The total cost of dog cataract surgery depends on many factors, such as the specifics of the procedure and the veterinary ophthalmologist’s expertise. Some things to consider when you’re looking into options for your pet are:

• Type of surgery: While opting for phacoemulsification means a shorter surgery and healing period for your dog, it’s more expensive than extracapsular surgery, another primary method of dog cataract removal. 

• Pre-surgery procedures: Veterinary ophthalmologists must use ERGs, ocular ultrasounds, and other diagnostic tests to qualify dogs for cataract surgery. 

• Geographic location: The city, state, or region where the operation occurs may affect dog cataract surgery costs.

• Expertise: Veterinary ophthalmology is a specialty. The more expertise your dog’s veterinary ophthalmologist has, the higher the expense.

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It’s important to shop around to get a better idea of how much you may have to pay for dog cataract surgery based on your pet’s health condition. On their website, Eye Specialists for Animals, a Colorado-based veterinary practice, quotes $2,800 to $3,000 for unilateral cataract removal (one eye) and $3,800 to $4,200 for bilateral cataract removal (both eyes). Postoperative reevaluations are included in that price, but the site indicates that the following costs are not included and may be necessary for treatment:

• Initial exam: $208 (not including medications)

• ERG: $410

• Ocular ultrasound: $220

• Preoperative blood work: $209

• Blood pressure measurement: $36

At another Colorado clinic, Animal Eye Center, the estimate is $3,600 to $4,000 for cataract removal with one IOL and $4,100 to $4,900 for two IOLs. (An IOL, or intraocular lens, is an artificial lens that replaces the dog’s natural lens.) These charges include the initial exam and three reevaluations. But the ERG ($250 to $350), the ocular ultrasound ($400 to $800), and additional recheck exams ($75 to $105) aren’t covered in the base prices.

At the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center, the estimated price is $3,500 to $3,800 for cataract surgery in one eye and $4,200 to $4,600 for both eyes. This cost covers the initial consultation and diagnostics tests. But reevaluations ($170 each), additional procedures after the surgery, and medication refills aren’t included.

The specifics of what is and isn’t covered in the base price is significant, since your dog will go through a series of postoperative reevaluations the first year after surgery. After that, they’ll need to have reevaluations at least once a year for the rest of their life.

Is cataract surgery for dogs worth it?

Dog cataract surgery has many benefits. The operation restores sight and has a success rate of 80% to 90%. And it can prevent secondary issues associated with cataracts, including:

• Glaucoma

• Lens luxation

• Retinal detachment

• Lens-induced uveitis

But there are also reasons that you may want to hold off on surgery. Dog cataract surgery may not be right for your pet if they have:

• Unhealthy eyes

• Unstable health

• Poor life expectancy

• Challenging temperament 

What will happen if cataracts are left untreated in dogs?

If left untreated, dog cataracts can lead to blindness, inflammation, and eye removal. Dogs that aren’t cataract surgery candidates may go blind or lose their eyes. But they can still have a good quality of life by using their other senses to get around safely. 

The level of visual impairment depends on how much of the lens is covered and whether the cataract progresses. When 30% of a dog’s lens is covered, their vision rarely decreases. When 60% of the lens is covered, some impairment is likely. Once 100% of the lens is covered, the dog will go blind in that eye.

Ways to save money on dog cataract surgery

Cataract surgery for dogs can be expensive depending on who you choose to perform the procedure and the complexity of your pet’s condition.

Here are some ways to reduce the cost of dog cataract surgery and your pet’s veterinary bills:

• Use pet insurance. A pet insurance policy can help pay for significant expenses like cataract surgery. But many policies don’t cover preexisting conditions. So you’ll likely need to have had coverage before your dog developed cataracts.

• Compare costs. Get quotes from different veterinary ophthalmologists and pay close attention to which costs are included in the base price and which aren’t.

• Seek financial assistance. Organizations and programs such as the Pet Fund and Bond’s Fund may be able to offer you financial support for dog cataract surgery. 

• Check out veterinary schools. These institutions sometimes provide low-cost cataract surgery for dogs. Or the staff may be able to point you toward more affordable services.

• Ask about payment options. Your veterinary ophthalmologist may offer a payment plan or partner with a credit line, like CareCredit.

But, remember, the cost of dog cataract surgery is not the only factor you should consider when investigating your options. You should also assess a veterinary ophthalmologist's experience, reputation, and personality before scheduling the operation.

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Written by:

Mitzi S. Morris

Mitzi S. Morris is a freelancer who writes long-form content such as blogs, e-books, and white papers. She has a certificate in digital communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Hanover College.

Edited by:

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA, is a personal finance editor at GoodRx. She has been a certified public accountant for over a decade.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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