Pet Treatment Cost Guide 2026

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is the most common orthopedic injury in dogs, equivalent to an ACL tear in humans. Surgery is recommended for most dogs to restore function and prevent arthritis progression. The three main surgical options are TPLO ($4,000–$6,500), TTA ($3,500–$5,500), and lateral suture ($1,500–$3,500).

Cytopoint (lokivetmab) is a monthly injectable treatment for canine atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies) that provides 4–8 weeks of itch relief. Each injection costs $65–$150 depending on dog size and clinic location. It's highly effective with minimal side effects, making it a popular alternative to oral allergy medications.

Achilles tendon injuries in dogs, also called common calcanean tendon ruptures, are serious orthopedic conditions most common in working and athletic breeds. Surgery is typically required to restore function and involves reattaching or repairing the tendon. Costs range from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on injury severity and surgeon expertise.

Dog allergy testing identifies the specific environmental or food allergens triggering your dog's skin problems, ear infections, or itching. Intradermal (skin) testing is the gold standard ($300–$1,000) and is performed by a veterinary dermatologist. Serum (blood) allergy testing is more accessible ($200–$500) and available at regular vet offices. Results guide allergen immunotherapy.

Bladder stones (uroliths) in dogs can cause painful urination, blood in urine, and life-threatening urinary blockages. Surgical removal (cystotomy) costs $1,000–$3,500 and is often the fastest solution. Some stone types can be dissolved with prescription diets over 4–12 weeks — a much cheaper option when applicable.

Cherry eye occurs when the gland of the third eyelid (nictitating membrane) prolapses and becomes visible as a red mass in the corner of the eye. Surgical repositioning (not removal) is the recommended treatment, costing $300–$800 per eye. Removing the gland is no longer recommended as it increases lifelong dry eye risk.

CT (computed tomography) scanning provides detailed 3D images of bones, organs, blood vessels, and the chest/abdomen in dogs. It's faster than MRI and excellent for nasal tumors, bone fractures, cancer staging, and abdominal masses. Costs range from $1,500 to $3,000 including the required general anesthesia, making it more affordable than MRI for many conditions.

Dog dental surgery encompasses tooth extractions, oral mass removal, jaw fracture repair, and treatment of severe periodontal disease. Costs range from $500 for single extractions under anesthesia to $3,000+ for complex multi-tooth extractions or oral surgery. Finding a dental-focused vet or veterinary dentist can ensure the best outcomes.

Dental disease affects over 80% of dogs by age 3, making dental procedures one of the most common veterinary expenses. A basic cleaning costs $300–$700, while complex extractions or oral surgery can reach $1,500–$3,500. Dental X-rays and pre-anesthetic bloodwork are standard additions that improve safety and outcomes.

Dental disease is the most common health problem in dogs, with 80% affected by age 3. Treatment costs depend on the severity of disease: routine preventive cleaning ($200–$600), moderate periodontal treatment ($500–$1,200), or advanced extractions and oral surgery ($1,500–$3,500). Preventive home care dramatically reduces lifetime dental costs.

Dialysis for dogs is an advanced treatment for acute kidney injury (AKI) or severe kidney failure. Hemodialysis is primarily available at university veterinary hospitals and specialty referral centers. Costs are high — $500–$1,500 per session — but it can save a dog's life during an acute crisis or bridge to kidney transplant in cats.

A dog ear hematoma forms when blood accumulates in the ear flap due to head shaking or scratching, often triggered by ear infections or allergies. Treatment options range from needle drainage ($150–$300) to full surgical repair ($400–$1,000). Surgery provides the best long-term outcome and prevents the 'cauliflower ear' deformity.

An echocardiogram is a cardiac ultrasound that evaluates heart structure and function in dogs. It's the gold standard for diagnosing dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), mitral valve disease, congenital heart defects, and pericardial effusion. Costs range from $400–$700 at a general practice to $600–$1,000 at a cardiology specialist.

Endoscopy allows visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines in dogs using a flexible camera without major surgery. It's used to diagnose IBD, retrieve swallowed foreign objects, obtain GI biopsies, and evaluate chronic vomiting or diarrhea. Costs range from $800–$2,500 depending on the procedure complexity and whether biopsies are taken.

Dog eyelid surgery corrects conditions like entropion (inward-rolling eyelids) or ectropion (outward-drooping eyelids), both of which cause chronic eye irritation and ulceration. Surgery is the only permanent fix and costs $500–$2,000 depending on the breed, severity, and number of eyelids affected.

Gastropexy is a surgical procedure that permanently attaches the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also called bloat — a life-threatening emergency in large, deep-chested dogs. Preventive gastropexy costs $400–$1,500 when done electively. Emergency gastropexy for GDV costs $3,000–$8,000 with much worse outcomes.

Glaucoma in dogs causes painful increased pressure inside the eye and can rapidly lead to blindness if untreated. Surgical options include laser cyclophotocoagulation, gonioshunts, and enucleation (eye removal). Costs range from $1,500 to $3,500 per eye, plus ongoing medication costs of $50–$150 per month.

Heartworm disease in dogs is treated with a series of melarsomine (Immiticide) injections to kill adult worms, combined with strict exercise restriction for several months. Treatment costs $500–$1,500 depending on disease severity. Prevention ($5–15/month) is far less expensive and more humane than treatment.

Dog hip replacement is a major orthopedic surgery typically recommended for dogs with severe hip dysplasia or advanced arthritis that hasn't responded to other treatments. The national average cost ranges from $3,500 to $7,000, though specialty hospitals can charge more. Understanding your options and comparing local clinic prices can save thousands of dollars.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common spinal condition in dogs, especially Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and Corgis. Surgery is recommended for moderate to severe cases to relieve spinal cord compression. Costs range from $3,000 to $6,000 at specialty hospitals. Emergency surgery within 24–48 hours of paralysis onset offers the best outcomes.

Dog leg surgery encompasses a wide range of orthopedic procedures — fracture repair, CCL/ACL surgery, limb amputation, bone tumor removal, and more. Costs vary from $1,500 for simple procedures to $6,500+ for complex specialist surgeries. Understanding the specific procedure your dog needs helps you plan and compare prices effectively.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) provides the most detailed soft tissue imaging available for dogs, commonly used to diagnose spinal cord conditions (IVDD), brain tumors, seizure disorders, and inner ear diseases. The cost is $2,000–$3,500 including the required general anesthesia. MRI is available at veterinary specialty hospitals and university veterinary schools.

Neutering (orchiectomy) is the surgical removal of male dog testicles, eliminating reproductive hormones and preventing unwanted litters. Costs range from $50 at low-cost clinics to $600 at full-service veterinary hospitals. The right choice depends on your dog's age, size, and health status — larger breeds generally require more anesthesia and monitoring.

Pyometra is a life-threatening uterine infection in intact female dogs that requires emergency surgery (ovariohysterectomy) to remove the infected uterus. It's most common in middle-aged to older unspayed females. Emergency surgery costs $1,500–$4,000. The best prevention is spaying before pyometra develops.

A skin biopsy is a diagnostic procedure where a small tissue sample is taken from a suspicious skin lesion for pathological analysis. It helps diagnose skin cancer, autoimmune diseases, chronic skin conditions, and unusual masses. The procedure costs $150–$500 depending on whether local or general anesthesia is used, plus $100–$200 for pathology.

Gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction occurs when a dog swallows a foreign object that blocks the stomach or intestine. This is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgery. Costs range from $2,000 to $5,000 for uncomplicated cases, but can exceed $8,000 if intestinal necrosis requires bowel resection.

The cost of tumor removal surgery for dogs varies widely based on tumor size, location, and whether the mass is benign or malignant. Simple surface-level lipoma removals can cost as little as $500, while complex internal tumors requiring specialist surgeons can exceed $5,000. Getting a biopsy first can help determine the urgency and type of surgery needed.