As unbelievable as it sounds, surgery to remove a dog’s eye is actually pretty common. There are a number of reasons why the surgery, known as dog enucleation, could be needed. And if it is ever needed for your dog, it’s important to know what to expect, why it’s happening and how much this type of procedure may cost.
As a veterinary practice that specializes in surgery, as a means of keeping costs down for pet owners, Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit is actually very well-practiced at dog enucleation procedures. Oftentimes the procedure is the best option for dogs that are suffering through specific ailments, and allows them to move forward with a pain-free life.
What Is Dog Enucleation
Removing a dog’s eye most often becomes a suggested course of treatment as a result of a painful or discomforting situation. The procedure is recommended most times for dogs that have experienced some type of trauma to their eye, dogs that are affected by glaucoma or because of congenital defects, chronic infection or cancer.
Removing the eye is the last resort after other avenues have been explored.
Affordable Dog Enucleation Surgery
The prospect of surgery for a dog could seem overwhelming, particularly from a financial perspective, for pet owners. At Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, we understand and we’ve worked to keep our pricing at an affordable rate, so that pet ownership isn’t a financial burden.
In many cases, the cost of dog enucleation surgery can be as high as $2,000 or more, depending on the veterinary clinic. At Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, we make that surgery available to pet owners for less than half of that, with an understanding that costs can range based on the size of the animal and other factors.
What’s Involved With Dog Eye Removal
Dog enucleation surgery is a pretty straightforward procedure. As a surgery, it involves anesthesia, so the dog won’t feel a thing.
Then, a veterinary surgeon will remove the affected eyeball, its tear glands and portions of the eyelids that are no longer needed. Once that is complete, the remaining tissue will be sutured closed. And those sutures will dissolve on their own.
Hair will eventually grow back over that tissue, although depending on the breed, the tissue may appear a bit sunken over time — a normal part of the healing process that varies from breed to breed.
Dog Enucleation Recovery
Typically, after dog enucleation surgery, owners can expect their pet to recover fully after about two weeks. The effects of anesthesia will wear off within the first day or so, although expect your pup to be a little sleepier than normal for a day or two.
However, a dog recovering from eye removal surgery will need some time to adjust to his or her new field of sight. So, it might take some time for them to get used to their surroundings, even if they are familiar. Most specifically, it’s important to avoid stairs early in the recovery process or at the very least assist your dog with stairs for the first couple weeks if stairs are unavoidable.
Is your dog in need of enucleation surgery? If so, reach out to our team to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit is a trusted veterinary team serving the Phoenix, Peoria, East Mesa, Queen Creek and Tucson metro areas, with accessible locations in each market, offering highly specialized surgery, quality spay and neuter procedures, and accessible dental care for pets. Contact us to learn more about our specialized services or to schedule an appointment.
