Most Common Dog Surgeries

Dogs provide us with so much – loyalty, companionship, a workout buddy and someone to look forward to returning home to. Just as you’d take care of your children’s health, it’s important to look after your pet and their health and longevity, too.

Like their human counterparts, pets may sometimes need surgical intervention to prevent illness, increase longevity – or, in extreme cases, not perish. The most common dog surgeries range from routine to lifesaving; you’ll find a list below, along with projected out-of-pocket costs in Spain.

What to know about pet surgery in Spain

Not all clinics charge the same rates, and larger metropolitan areas tend to charge more for pet services, surgeries and routine check-ups.

Remember that pre-op services may not be covered by your insurance; if paying out-of-pocket, you may be liable for these costs, as well.

Breed, age and lifestyle can greatly alter this list of most common dog surgeries, as can mixed breeds or those whose lineages are not totally clear. Be sure to speak with your trusted vet about pitfalls and potential medical needs for your furry friend.

The most common dog surgeries:

Spay (Ovariohysterectomy) or Neuter (Castration)

This surgery is heavily recommended by vets in most of the developed world. Spaying or neutering a dog is a surgery that removes reproductive organs in dogs, preventing pregnancy in females and aggressive behaviors in male. It can also lower the risk significantly for tumors in the reproductive organs and prevent infections. Removal of the ovaries and uterus in female dogs.

• Cost: As spaying and neutering are not emergency surgeries, the cost is significantly lower: expect to pay 120-250€.
• Breeds typically affected: Consider spaying or neutering your dog to prevent animal abandonment, which now carries a fine.

Tumor or Mass Removal

Lumps are very common in dogs, especially as they age. Some may require removal, whereas others are benign and can remain inside your pooch. That said, removal for biopsy is often preferred to rule out larger problems.

• Cost: The cost depends largely on the complexity of the case, but expect it to cost anywhere from a few hundred euros to over one thousand. Size of the mass, as well as if it’s internal or external, marks the difference here.
• Breeds typically affected: This could happen to any dog, regardless of breed. It typically happens in older dogs. 
  

 

Dental Surgery

Very common, especially in small breeds and older dogs, as dental procedures like tooth extractions or periodontal disease. You can prevent tooth decay by having your dog chew on bones.

• Cost: 150€+ per tooth
• Breeds typically affected: Small breeds, like toys, have more frequent dental issues. We owned a Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso cross that was toothless and adorable!
  

ACL/CCL Repair

This is the dog equivalent of an ACL tear in humans, and it repairs torn cranial cruciate ligaments or even some of the lateral structures.

• Cost: This sort of surgery is not considered routine or emergency, making specialized ligament repair surgeries are often one of the more expensive elective surgeries in dogs. Expect to pay into the thousands.

• Breeds typically affected: While this type of injury can affect any dog, it’s a more common injury in active or overweight dogs. Large breeds (Newfoundlands, Rottweilers, Saint Bernards, Mastiffs, Akitas) are usually the most heavily affected, but Bichon Frise has an oddly high risk of joint injuries, considering their size.
  

Foreign Body Removal

Dogs can exhibit playful mannerisms – as well as some toddler behaviors. It isn’t uncommon for a pet to swallow something they shouldn’t, like toys or socks or even something they found in the garden.

The severity of the intervention is determinant on a number of factors but may require stomach or intestinal surgery – and oftentimes, it is urgent.

• Cost: As an emergency surgery, you’ll pay into the thousands, especially considering observation.
• Breeds typically affected: All breeds.

Cesarean Section (C-section)

Believe it or not, nature isn’t perfect when it comes to a canine pregnancy. Dogs that cannot deliver puppies normally may need a canine C-Section. Performed when a dog cannot deliver puppies naturally.

• Cost: Several hundred euros.
• Breeds typically affected: Body structure, head size, or narrow pelvis are factors. The biggest risk factor is brachycephaly (flat faces + large skulls), like pugs, bulldogs or toy breeds.
  

Bladder Stone Removal (Cystotomy)

This type of surgery removes stones causing pain or urinary blockage.

• Cost: 150-250€

Wound Repair / Trauma Surgery

Emergency trauma surgeries can also occur from accidents or fights and include injuries like bite wounds, lacerations and broken bones.

• Cost: This is largely dependent on factors like the severity of the injury but, as it is emergency surgery requiring immediate intervention, costs begin in the thousands of euros.

Hernia Repair

Some breeds require a correction of umbilical, inguinal, or perineal hernias, and it’s a common surgery that is considered somewhat routine.

• Cost: 75-150€ per visit.

Caser’s pet insurance: protecting your furry friend at the best value

Once you're familiar with the most common dog surgeries, it’s important to find insurance that truly protects your pet. Caser proudly offers insurance coverage for your furry friend via the MIMAscota insurance plans in various coverage levels to best serve you and your pet. Currently, this coverage is only available for cats and dogs.

When choosing Caser MIMAscota insurance, you’ll have a network of more than 320 clinics in the network, plus knowing that your pet’s age and breed do not affect Fido’s ability to be covered. Caser’s most basic coverage plan, MIMAscota con Responsabilidad Civil, will set you up with mandatory civil responsibility insurance for only 3,90€ a month (that’s less than 50€ a year!). You get the following benefits:

• Civil liability of up to 350,000€ + legal defense in the case of damages incurred
• Tele veterinarian at any time, 24/7
• Online consultations with one of CaserVet’s professionals
• Coverage for all breeds and all ages
• Coverage throughout Spain
• The ability to add bespoke options according to your pet’s (and your wallet’s!) needs 

If you’d like to keep vet bills under control, consider the MIMAscota with Health Plan or with Health Plan Premium. In addition to the benefits listed above, Health Plan includes unlimited consultations and check-ups – including in emergency situations, plus coverage of rabies and tetravalent vaccines. This all-in-one plan is only 233€ a year and has no exclusions for breeds or for pre-existing conditions or health issues.

Finally, MIMAscota with Health Plan Premium also includes all universal vaccinations and a full, annual battery of check-ups and revisions for 330€ annually.

None of Caser’s range of benefits have a wait period, with the exception of remains incineration (3 months), so you can begin using your plan from Day 1!

You can calculate your pet insurance and explore bundles with your annual health, home or automotive insurance for additional savings. Should you have more than one pet, Caser offers discounts on each additional furry friend on your policy. 

How much does pet insurance cost in Spain?

At its most basic, pet insurance through a national insurer will cost from 20€-30€ monthly for veterinary pet insurance and about 30€ - 50€ / yearly for required civil liability.

Like you would before when purchasing health or car insurance, carefully review the terms, coverage limits, exclusions, and any other details to ensure that the policy meets your specific needs and preferences. Keep in mind that some policies may have age restrictions or different premium rates based on the pet's breed.

Remember that dogs between 3 months and 9 years of age must be covered with pet insurance that includes civil liability insurance.

The takeaway

I grew up with shih tzus, a toy breed that required little maintenance. Our first, Morgan, aged rapidly, suddenly susceptible to hip problems, dental issues and cataracts. As a sentient being, my parents weighed the options of surgery versus humanely letting her go. It was not a difficult choice after we’d given her a soft life and lots of love, and knowing our pet insurance allowed her care throughout her entire existence allowed us to make a decision that favored her comfort.

Pet insurance gives you peace of mind over the care of your beloved friend while taking stock of your wallet so you can have more trips to the dog park than to the vet.