What is the Cost of Cataract Surgery for Cats?

The cost of cataract surgery for cats will depend on several factors discussed in section two of this article. Cataract surgery for cats is an invasive procedure that involves the removal of the defective lens. Cataracts occur when an obstruction involving the lens of the eye prevents light from reaching the retina. Cataracts in cats can develop as a result of eye trauma, metabolic disease, or infections. The condition may also be inherited. When the condition is inherited, it may be referred to as “juvenile cataracts.”

Cataract Surgery in Cats

Due to the delicate nerves and tissues in and around the eye, cataract surgery must be performed by a skilled veterinary surgeon. A veterinary ophthalmologist will examine and diagnose your pet. Once the pet has been diagnosed, the ophthalmologist will suggest treatment options and provide a list of possible surgeons. These surgeons may or may not be located in your immediate area.

It is not uncommon for cat owners to spend a significant amount of time researching each surgeon in an effort to whittle the list to the best in the field. Once you have located a veterinary surgeon that you are comfortable with, he or she will schedule an initial consultation. During the consultation, the surgeon will cover several different surgical techniques, along with pricing.

Cost for Cataract Surgery in Cats

Depending on the severity of the cat’s condition, the surgeon will suggest removal of the offending lens. This is an invasive (and expensive) surgery. This type of cataract surgery costs around $1,767-$2,163 for one eye and $2,757-$3,516 for two eyes. If your pet is diabetic, the cost is roughly $1,836-$2,232 for one eye and $2,827-$3,586 for two eyes.

The cost for surgery does not include tests that may be required before surgery. The surgeon may require an electroretinography (ERG) to check retinal function, which costs around $160.50, ultrasonography to check the inside of the eye, which costs around $95.00, and laser retinopexy, to reduce the risk of retinal detachment, which costs around $250.00.

During surgery, several issues may occur. Extra syringes may be used at a cost of $77 per syringe. In addition, the jelly at the back of the eye, called vitreous, may have to be removed. Removal, called vitrectomy, may cost around $165.00. After cataract surgery, your pet may need antibiotics and eye drops. Eye drops cost around $20 per vial.

What Does the Cost for Cataract Surgery Include?

The cost for cataract surgery typically includes the surgery fee, operating microscope, suture materials, surgical instrument fee, anesthesia IV and gaseous, anesthesia monitoring fee, theatre fee & disposables, injections for surgery, Elizabethan collar to protect eye after surgery, hospitalization, in hospital eye exams, and three post operative visits.

Alternatives to Cataract Surgery

Cataracts make it difficult for your pet to see, they can cause inflammation, pain, and redness, and your cat could sustain serious injuries from stumbling into things. As a result, many vets will recommend cataract surgery. Fortunately, there is a less invasive type of surgery called phacofragmentation. During phacofragmentation, ultrasound is used to break up the lens material into tiny pieces. The pieces are removed (sucked) from the eye using special instrumentation. After the cataract has been removed, vision is restored. Phacofragmentation may cost up o $2,000 including tests, antibiotics, and eye-drops.

For more information about cataracts and cataract surgery in cats, see:

http://www.vetinfo.com/cataracts-in-cats.html

http://www.vetinfo.com/anti-inflammatory-drugs-cataracts-cats.html

http://www.vetinfo.com/cat-cataract-surgery.html

 

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