How Much Does Pyometra Dog Surgery Cost?

In the event that your dog is diagnosed with pyometra by a licensed veterinarian, the most common next step is an immediate ovariohysterectomy surgery to target the source of the infection.

While the cost of a standard, non-emergency spay operation can range from approximately $50 to $500, emergency pyometra surgery costs an average of $1,000 to $1,500 or more depending on the animal’s breed, age and size, as well as the severity of the infection.

There are two types of pyometra — open pyometra and closed pyometra — that slightly differ in severity and potential cost. Open pyometra is slightly less severe but still critical, while dogs with closed pyometra are at a higher risk of death and prolonged hospitalization following surgery.

The location of the procedure and independent vet fees will also factor into the cost of your pet’s pyometra surgery.

Pyometra Surgery Cost Quotes

The cost of any veterinary service, pyometra surgery or not, will vary from vet to vet. We found a few points for pyometra surgery from licensed veterinary surgeons around the U.S. to show you how costs differ:

For the most part, the case-by-case severity of pyometra will be the most considerable piece in determining the collective cost of surgery. Dogs with more advanced pyometra will likely require a more intensive schedule of medical treatments as well as emergency stabilization to correct abnormal vitals with the proper antibiotics, prescription painkillers, intravenous fluids (IV) and extended hospitalization, especially if the infection has already triggered sepsis or kidney failure.

Pyometra surgery is a more complex and labor-intensive endeavor than routine spay, which contributes to its costliness. Because pyometra primarily affects older dogs, already fragile health combined with a critical condition presents much higher risks on the operating table than spaying a healthy 6-month-old puppy.

Additional fees may apply if your dog undergoes emergency pyometra surgery outside of a vet’s regular business hours, which some animal hospitals offer exclusively for time-sensitive conditions.

Minimum Pyometra Surgery Costs

Following a pyometra diagnosis, usually by ultrasound (which costs $300 to $500 for a full scan), other expenses will likely be related to preliminary treatments like antibiotics and IV support in order to stabilize your dog before the surgery itself, plus medication for your dog’s post-op recovery.

If your dog experiences open pyometra, she may not need surgery. Sometimes, non-surgical treatment is available, which can cost about $500 to $900 for an initial exam, oral antibiotics, pain medications, X-rays and blood work.

Maximum Pyometra Surgery Costs

The most expensive part of resolving pyometra is the surgery itself, which is priced from $1,000 to $1,500 on average but can cost up to $6,000 or more. As mentioned, the cost of your dog’s surgery will be based on her breed, size, age, location and how critical her condition is.

Extended hospitalizations following surgery are the most common extraneous cost related to pyometra surgery. Extra inpatient care is usually reserved for dogs that endured a more chronic case of pyometra from the start or experienced complications during the operation. Short hospitalizations usually run between $700 and $1,500, and longer hospitalizations can vary in cost from $1,700 to $3,500.

Given that pyometra causes dramatic swelling of the uterus, surrounding blood vessels can become stretched and vulnerable to ruptures both before and during surgery. When excessive blood loss does occur during surgery, a blood transfusion may be necessary, which will add to your final price.

Whether pyometra surgery is covered by pet insurance varies by insurer, so if you have pet insurance, you’ll want to double-check the exclusions of your policy terms. Under most accident-illness policies, pyometra is deemed an emergency illness, therefore warranting coverage for its required treatment.

If you’re not yet enrolled in pet insurance and your dog has recently been diagnosed with pyometra, you won’t be able to find financial support for surgery costs, as providers will deem the pyometra as a pre-existing condition, which typically isn’t eligible for reimbursement.

In the event that you have an unspayed dog and are looking to have her fixed to avoid pyometra or other issues, it may be hard to find coverage for that procedure through pet insurance. Very few providers will include reimbursements for spay/neuter surgeries in their base plans, as they’re considered elective procedures. However, a number of providers, such as Lemonade, Spot and Embrace, cover spay/neutering in wellness or preventative care add-on plans.

Pyometra is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent life-threatening complications. While the cost of pyometra surgery in dogs can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the condition and the location of the veterinary clinic, it is a necessary expense that pet owners should be prepared to cover.

As always, prevention is the best approach, and spaying your dog can significantly reduce the risk of developing pyometra in the first place. If you suspect that your dog may have pyometra, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary care right away to ensure the best possible outcome for your furry companion.