A nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a kidney. In dogs, it's performed when one kidney is severely damaged, cancerous, or causing life-threatening problems. Dogs can live normally with just one healthy kidney — the remaining kidney compensates within weeks.
The average cost of dog nephrectomy surgery is $3,500, with most owners paying between $2,000 and $5,000.
How Much Does Kidney Removal Surgery Cost?
| Procedure | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unilateral nephrectomy (one kidney) | $2,000–$5,000 | Standard — dog lives normally with one kidney |
| Nephrectomy + histopathology (cancer) | $2,500–$5,500 | If kidney tumor suspected — lab analysis included |
| Partial nephrectomy (rare in dogs) | $2,500–$5,000 | Only part of kidney removed — very uncommon |
| Ureteronephrectomy (kidney + ureter) | $2,500–$5,500 | If ureter is also damaged or cancerous |
Why Would a Dog Need Kidney Removal?
- •Kidney cancer: Renal cell carcinoma or other tumors. If confined to one kidney, removal can be curative.
- •Severe kidney infection (pyelonephritis): Chronic, non-responsive infection that destroys one kidney.
- •Kidney stones (nephroliths): Large stones that destroy kidney function and can't be managed medically.
- •Trauma: Severe injury to one kidney (car accident, dog fight) causing non-repairable damage.
- •Ectopic ureter + hydronephrosis: When a malformed ureter causes the kidney to swell with backed-up urine, destroying function.
- •Infarction: Blood clot cutting off blood supply, causing kidney tissue death.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exam + comprehensive blood work (kidney panel) | $150–$350 |
| Abdominal ultrasound (assess both kidneys) | $200–$500 |
| Urinalysis + urine culture | $80–$200 |
| Chest X-rays (cancer staging) | $150–$350 |
| Anesthesia + monitoring | $200–$500 |
| Nephrectomy surgery | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Histopathology (if tumor) | $120–$350 |
| Overnight hospitalization (2–3 nights) | $400–$1,200 |
| IV fluids (kidney support post-surgery) | $50–$150 |
| Take-home pain medication + antibiotics | $40–$100 |
| Follow-up + kidney panel (2–4 weeks) | $100–$250 |
| Total | $3,140–$7,200 |
Cost by Clinic Type
| Clinic Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| General practice vet (experienced in abdominal surgery) | $2,000–$3,500 |
| Board-certified surgeon | $3,000–$5,500 |
| Teaching hospital | $1,500–$3,000 |
Living With One Kidney
Dogs do very well after kidney removal. The remaining kidney increases in size and function (compensatory hypertrophy) within 4–8 weeks. Most dogs live normal lifespans with one kidney. Recommendations:
- •Annual blood work to monitor kidney function
- •Ensure access to plenty of fresh water
- •Avoid nephrotoxic medications (NSAIDs like ibuprofen — never give to dogs anyway)
- •Maintain healthy weight
- •Feed quality diet (your vet may recommend kidney-supportive food)