How Much Does Corneal Surgery Cost For A Dog?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

The price of this surgery depends on the severity of the condition and whether one or both eyes are involved; the cost ranges from

$1,300 to $1,600

.

What happens if a corneal ulcer doesn’t heal in dogs?

If left untreated

they can persist for many months causing continuous irritation

. In some cases the eye may develop a granulation tissue reaction, in which the surface of the eye becomes reddened and inflamed- this can lead to reduced vision.

How much does keratectomy cost?

A superficial keratectomy procedure can cost a dog owner anywhere from

$200 to $2,000 dollars

to have performed. Recovery bandages and other healing devices should be considered in the total price.

How long does dog eye surgery take to heal?

Depending on the type of surgery, full recovery will take

between six weeks and four months

. A full, safe recovery requires careful post-op care, followed by a gradual rehabilitation.

Can a dog go blind from a corneal ulcer?

A corneal ulcer is an open sore in the cornea that exposes the inner layers of the eye. While the most common cause of corneal ulcers in dogs is injury, they can also be a result of an eye infection. Corneal ulcers can worsen with time, and

if left untreated, can result in vision loss or even blindness

.

Can a dog lose their eye from an ulcer?

Ulcers often appear suddenly and get rapidly worse. However, eyes heal quickly so with vet treatment an ulcer is likely to heal within a few days (unless complications develop).

Leaving an ulcer without veterinary treatment can result in loss of an eye

.

Are eye ulcers painful for dogs?

A corneal ulcer is

very painful

. Most dogs rub the affected eye with a paw or on the carpet in an attempt to relieve this intense pain. To protect the eye, they keep the lids tightly closed.

How do you tell if a corneal ulcer is healing in dogs?


Red Lines Around the Ulcer

When a deeper ulcer starts to heal, you may notice red lines covering the cornea and going to the ulcer. Normally, there aren’t any blood vessels in the cornea, but the body will form new vessels over the surface of the eye to speed healing.

How did my dog get an eye ulcer?

Corneal ulcers occur in pets

when they experience trauma on the surface layer of their eyes

. This trauma can occur through abrasions, scratches, infection, and more, resulting in deeper layers of the cornea being lost.

How much does it cost for the vet to remove a dogs eye?

The price of this surgery depends on the severity of the condition and whether one or both eyes are involved; the cost ranges from

$1,300 to $1,600

.

What corrective eye surgery is best?


LASIK is the best known and most commonly performed

. Many articles, including this one, will use the term “LASIK” to refer to all types of laser eye surgery.

What is PTK eye surgery?

Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK) is

an excimer laser surgical procedure that removes roughness or cloudiness from the cornea

.

Should I remove my dogs eyes?


In the case of a blind but comfortable eye, enucleation is usually not necessary

. However, a blind and painful eye will distress your pet, and in the case of glaucoma the pain is often comparable to having a chronic migraine. Enucleation will alleviate this pain and is preferable to the long-term use of medication.

When should a dog’s eye be removed?

Reasons for enucleation include

severe trauma (e.g. a puncture or perforation of the eyeball) and conditions in or around the eye (e.g. cancer or glaucoma)

. Brachycephalic dogs (who have a flat face and prominent eyes, such as bulldogs and pugs) are more prone to injuries, simply because their eyes bulge out.

What does a dog look like after eye removal?

The eyelids will be swollen and there may be some bruising. Some red-tinged fluid may seep from the incision and this is normal. The eye may at first look like it is simply closed. Over the first week following surgery, the swelling will go down and the socket will flatten out.

How much does it cost to treat a corneal ulcer in dogs?

Cost of treatment

The cost of surgery is dependent on the age of your pet – but in general, it will cost

between $450 – $600

. At other practices, prices can reach between $1,500 – $2,400!

Will a corneal ulcer heal itself in dogs?

These are medically treated with topical antibiotics, artificial tear supplementation, oral analgesics, and in some cases atropine.

Normally, even large superficial corneal ulcers heal in five to seven days with minimal scarring

.

What happens if a corneal ulcer bursts?

Deep corneal ulcers however pose a threat as they may result in corneal perforation (rupture) – which is

extremely painful and sight threatening

and often require emergency surgical intervention.

What happens if a dogs eye ulcer bursts?

A descemetocele is a very serious condition. If Descemet’s membrane ruptures, the liquid inside the eyeball leaks out,

the eye collapses and ocular surgery is usually required to save the eye

.

How do you treat a corneal ulcer on a dog?

The usual treatment for a dog with a corneal ulcer includes

topical antibiotics and pain relievers (eye drops) multiple times a day

. Sometimes oral and even injectable medications are also prescribed or administered. Dogs with corneal ulcers that are properly treated almost always maintain their vision.

Why does my dog keep getting corneal ulcers?

Causes of eye ulcers in dogs are most commonly

trauma, foreign body injury, or chemical burns

. These are some of the multiple causes of ulcerative keratitis in dogs: Trauma: scratches from another animal; running into tree branches, plants, or bushes; self-inflicted trauma from rubbing their own face.

What does corneal ulcer look like?

Corneal ulcers cause redness, pain, usually a feeling like a foreign object is in the eye (foreign body sensation), aching, sensitivity to bright light, and increased tear production. The ulcer often appears as

a white or dull and grayish spot on the cornea

.

Will a corneal ulcer heal itself?


A simple ulcer should heal in 3-7 days

. Uncomplicated ulcers heal very quickly! An infected or complicated ulcer can take several weeks to heal with proper treatment. Some deep, infected or large ulcers may need surgery to strengthen the eye for this long healing period.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.