Accidents and injuries can happen to any dog, and in some cases, they may suffer from a femur fracture. This condition requires immediate medical attention and surgery, which can be expensive. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about dog femur fracture surgery and recovery costs.
A femur fracture is a break in the thigh bone, which is the largest bone in a dog’s body. The femur connects the hip joint to the knee joint and is responsible for supporting the dog’s weight and allowing them to walk, run, and play. A femur fracture can occur due to trauma, such as a fall or hit by a car, or underlying medical conditions that weaken the bone, such as cancer.
Dog Femur Fracture Surgery
The first step in treating a femur fracture is to take the dog to the veterinarian for an evaluation. The vet will perform a physical examination and take x-rays to determine the severity of the fracture. In most cases, surgery is required to repair the broken bone. The surgery involves realigning the bone fragments and securing them in place with pins, plates, or screws. The cost of surgery varies depending on the severity of the fracture, the dog’s size, and the location of the veterinary clinic. Generally, the surgery cost can range from $1500 to $4500.
Recovery
After surgery, the dog will need to stay at the veterinary clinic for a few days for observation. During this time, the vet will monitor the dog’s pain, swelling, and overall health. The vet may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection. After discharge, the dog will need to rest and limit their activity for several weeks. The vet may recommend a sling or cast to keep the leg immobilized during the healing process. The recovery period can take several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the fracture.
Cost of Recovery
The cost of recovery depends on the dog’s individual needs, such as medication, special diet, and rehabilitation. The cost of medication can range from $50 to $500, depending on the type of medication and the duration of treatment. The vet may also recommend a special diet to promote healing, which can cost $30 to $100 per month. Rehabilitation, such as physical therapy and hydrotherapy, can also be recommended, and the cost can range from $50 to $150 per session.
Nearby low-cost femur fracture surgery for dogs
1. PetSmart Banfield
Pros:
Convenience – PetSmart Banfield is located in many PetSmart stores, making it easy and convenient for pet owners to access their services. This means that you won’t have to travel far to get your dog the care they need.
Experienced veterinarians – PetSmart Banfield employs licensed veterinarians with years of experience in their field. This means that your dog will be in good hands during their femur fracture surgery.
Affordable pricing – PetSmart Banfield offers affordable pricing for their services, including femur fracture surgery for dogs. This can be a great option for pet owners who are on a tight budget.
Cons:
Limited services – PetSmart Banfield may not offer all the services that your dog may need. For example, they may not have the equipment or expertise to perform certain types of surgeries or procedures.
Crowded waiting rooms – Because PetSmart Banfield is located within a popular retail store, their waiting rooms can sometimes get crowded and noisy. This may cause stress for your dog.
Corporate structure – PetSmart Banfield is owned by a large corporation, which means that decisions may be made based on financial considerations rather than the best interests of your pet.
Costs:
The cost of femur fracture surgery for dogs at PetSmart Banfield varies depending on several factors, such as the severity of the fracture, the size of your dog, and your location. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 for this type of surgery.
2. Banfield Pet Hospital
Pros:
Convenience: With over 1,000 locations across the United States, Banfield is likely to have a clinic near you. This can be particularly useful in emergency situations when time is of the essence.
Experienced veterinarians: Banfield employs a team of experienced veterinarians who are capable of performing a variety of surgical procedures, including femur fracture repair.
Comprehensive care: Banfield offers a range of services, including pre- and post-operative care. This can be particularly beneficial for pet owners who want a one-stop-shop for all their pet’s medical needs.
Cons:
Cost: While Banfield does offer some affordable options for routine care, their surgical procedures can be expensive. The cost of femur fracture surgery for dogs can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the location of the clinic, but it’s important to be prepared for a potentially high bill.
Quality of care: While Banfield employs experienced veterinarians, some pet owners have raised concerns about the quality of care their pets have received at Banfield clinics. It’s important to do your research and read reviews before choosing a clinic.
Limited availability: Banfield clinics may not be open 24/7, so if your pet requires emergency surgery outside of regular business hours, you may need to seek care elsewhere.
Cost:
The cost of femur fracture surgery at Banfield can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injury and the location of the clinic. On average, pet owners can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 for this procedure. While this may seem expensive, it’s important to remember that this type of surgery is complex and requires a high level of skill and expertise.
3. VCA Animal Hospitals
Pros:
Experienced Veterinarians: VCA Animal Hospitals have highly trained veterinarians who are experts in pet care. They have years of experience in treating all types of injuries and illnesses in pets, including femur fractures. With their expertise, you can be sure that your furry friend is in good hands.
State-of-the-art Facilities: VCA Animal Hospitals are equipped with the latest medical equipment and facilities, which allow them to provide the best possible care for your pet. This means that your dog will receive top-notch medical attention, including surgery and after-care.
Affordable Prices: VCA Animal Hospitals offer low-cost femur fracture surgery for dogs, which can help you save money on veterinary bills. They understand that pet care can be expensive, and strive to make their services as affordable as possible.
Convenient Locations: With VCA Animal Hospitals located in many cities across the country, it is easy to find a location near you. This can be especially helpful if you need to take your dog for follow-up appointments or check-ups.
Cons:
Limited Availability: While VCA Animal Hospitals offer low-cost femur fracture surgery for dogs, they may not always have availability for the procedure. This means that you may have to wait for an appointment or consider other options.
Quality of Care: Some pet owners have reported that the quality of care at VCA Animal Hospitals is not always consistent. While many veterinarians are highly experienced and provide excellent care, others may not have the same level of expertise.
Additional Costs: While VCA Animal Hospitals offer low-cost femur fracture surgery, there may be additional costs associated with the procedure. This could include anesthesia, X-rays, and after-care, which could add up quickly.
Costs:
The cost of femur fracture surgery for dogs at VCA Animal Hospitals can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the location of the hospital. On average, the cost can range from $2,000 to $5,000.
4. National Veterinary Associates (NVA)
Pros:
Accessibility: With over 1,000 animal hospitals in their network, NVA is one of the largest veterinary care providers in the United States. This means there’s a good chance there’s an NVA hospital near you that can provide femur fracture surgery for your dog.
Experienced Surgeons: NVA employs a team of skilled veterinary surgeons who have experience treating a variety of orthopedic injuries, including femur fractures. This means you can feel confident that your pet is in good hands.
Affordable Prices: As a large veterinary care provider, NVA is able to negotiate lower prices for their services and pass those savings onto their clients. This can make NVA a more affordable option for femur fracture surgery than some other providers.
Cons:
Lack of Personalized Care: With so many hospitals in their network, it can be difficult for NVA to provide personalized care to each individual patient. This can be a drawback if you’re looking for a more customized approach to your dog’s care.
Long Wait Times: Because NVA is such a large provider, their hospitals can sometimes have long wait times for appointments and surgeries. This can be frustrating if you’re in a hurry to get your dog the care they need.
Quality of Care: While NVA does employ experienced surgeons, some pet owners have reported concerns about the quality of care their pets received at NVA hospitals. This can vary from hospital to hospital, so it’s important to do your research before deciding on NVA for your dog’s femur fracture surgery.
Costs:
The cost of femur fracture surgery at NVA can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injury and the specific hospital you visit. However, in general, NVA is known for offering more affordable prices than some other providers.
According to some reports, the cost of femur fracture surgery at an NVA hospital can range from $1,500 to $5,000. This may sound like a lot, but it’s important to remember that femur fracture surgery is a complex and specialized procedure that requires skilled veterinary surgeons and specialized equipment.
5. VetCor
Pros:
Low-Cost: One of the biggest advantages of choosing VetCor for femur fracture surgery is that they offer low-cost options. This can be especially helpful if you’re on a tight budget.
Skilled Surgeons: VetCor employs skilled and experienced surgeons who have the expertise needed to perform the surgery successfully.
Convenient Location: VetCor has multiple locations across the country, making it easy to find one near you.
Comprehensive Care: VetCor offers comprehensive care for your dog, including pre-surgical consultations, surgery, and post-operative follow-up care.
Cons:
Limited Services: While VetCor offers a range of services, they may not offer some of the more advanced surgical procedures that other veterinary clinics offer.
Crowded Waiting Rooms: VetCor is a popular choice for low-cost veterinary care, which means their waiting rooms can be crowded.
Shorter Consultations: Due to the high volume of patients, consultations may be shorter than what you would get at other clinics.
Costs:
The cost of femur fracture surgery at VetCor varies depending on the location, the severity of the injury, and other factors. However, their low-cost options typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, which is significantly lower than what you would pay at a traditional veterinary clinic.
6. Pathway Vet Alliance
Pros:
Affordable Surgery Costs: Pathway Vet Alliance is known for offering affordable surgery options, including femur fracture surgery for dogs. This can be a major advantage for pet owners who may not have the financial resources to pay for more expensive surgery at other veterinary clinics.
Experienced Veterinarians: Pathway Vet Alliance has a team of experienced veterinarians who are skilled in performing orthopedic surgery, including femur fracture surgery. This means that your dog will be in good hands during the surgery and recovery process.
High-Quality Care: Even though Pathway Vet Alliance offers low-cost surgery options, they still provide high-quality care for their patients. This includes pre-operative and post-operative care, pain management, and follow-up appointments to ensure your dog is healing properly.
Cons:
Limited Locations: Pathway Vet Alliance has a limited number of locations, which means that it may not be convenient for all pet owners to access their services. However, if you do live near a Pathway Vet Alliance location, this can be a major advantage.
Limited Services: Pathway Vet Alliance primarily focuses on providing affordable surgery options, which means that they may not offer all of the services that other veterinary clinics provide. This can be a disadvantage if you need other veterinary services in addition to femur fracture surgery.
Availability: Pathway Vet Alliance may not always have availability for surgery appointments, especially during peak seasons or if there is a high demand for their low-cost surgery options.
Costs:
The cost of femur fracture surgery for dogs at Pathway Vet Alliance can vary depending on the location and the severity of the injury. However, generally, the cost of surgery at Pathway Vet Alliance is significantly less expensive than other veterinary clinics. The cost typically includes the surgery itself, pre-operative care, post-operative care, and pain management medication.
7. PetVet Care Centers
Pros:
Affordable prices: PetVet Care Centers are known for offering lower prices than many other veterinary clinics, without compromising on the quality of care. This can be a big relief for pet owners who cannot afford expensive surgery or have limited pet insurance coverage.
Skilled veterinarians: PetVet Care Centers employ licensed and experienced veterinarians who have expertise in orthopedic surgeries such as femur fracture repair. These professionals use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to diagnose and treat your dog’s condition.
Convenient locations: PetVet Care Centers have multiple locations across the US, which means you may find one near you or in a nearby city. This can save you time and money on transportation, especially if you have to make frequent follow-up visits after the surgery.
Comprehensive care: PetVet Care Centers offer not only surgery but also pre-operative and post-operative care, such as pain management, monitoring, and rehabilitation. This can ensure that your dog receives holistic treatment that addresses all their needs.
Cons:
Limited scope: PetVet Care Centers focus on providing basic and preventive care, such as vaccinations, spaying and neutering, and routine exams. While they also offer some specialty services, such as surgery and dentistry, they may not be able to handle complex or emergency cases that require advanced diagnostics or intensive care.
Variable quality: Although PetVet Care Centers aim to maintain high standards of care, the quality of service may vary depending on the location, the staff, and the case. Some pet owners have reported mixed experiences with PetVet Care Centers, ranging from excellent to poor.
No 24/7 service: PetVet Care Centers typically operate during regular business hours and may not be available for emergencies or urgent cases outside of those hours. If your dog needs immediate attention or monitoring, you may have to go to an emergency veterinary hospital, which can be more expensive.
Costs:
The exact cost of femur fracture surgery at PetVet Care Centers may vary depending on several factors, such as the location, the severity of the fracture, the age and health status of your dog, and the type of anesthesia and monitoring used. However, some estimates suggest that the average cost of femur fracture repair at PetVet Care Centers is around $2,500-$3,500, which is lower than the average cost at private veterinary hospitals, which can be over $5,000. This cost may or may not include pre-operative tests, post-operative care, and follow-up visits, so be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of the fees and services involved before you make a decision.
8. BluePearl Pet Hospital
Pros:
Experienced surgeons: BluePearl Pet Hospital has a team of highly experienced veterinary surgeons who specialize in orthopedic surgeries, including femur fracture surgery. This means that your dog will be in good hands and receive top-notch care.
Advanced equipment: The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, such as digital X-ray machines and CT scanners, which enable the surgeons to diagnose and treat your dog’s fracture more accurately.
24/7 emergency care: BluePearl Pet Hospital offers round-the-clock emergency care, which means that your dog can receive prompt medical attention in case of any complications or unexpected issues.
Multiple locations: BluePearl Pet Hospital has locations across the United States, which makes it easier to find a hospital near you.
Cons:
Cost: While BluePearl Pet Hospital provides high-quality care, it can also be more expensive compared to other veterinary hospitals. It’s important to keep in mind that femur fracture surgery can be a costly procedure, and it’s essential to weigh the costs against the benefits.
Availability: BluePearl Pet Hospital may not always have immediate availability for surgery, especially during busy periods. You may need to schedule your dog’s surgery in advance or consider other options if your dog requires urgent surgery.
Costs:
The cost of femur fracture surgery at BluePearl Pet Hospital can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the fracture, the dog’s age, and any underlying health conditions. On average, the cost can range from $3,000 to $8,000, which includes the initial consultation, surgery, and follow-up appointments.
FAQs about dog femur fracture surgery
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about dog femur fracture surgery to help ease your mind.
What is a femur fracture in dogs?
A femur fracture in dogs is a break in the thigh bone, which is also known as the femur. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as a fall or an accident. Femur fractures can be painful and can cause limping, lameness, or difficulty standing.
Does every femur fracture in dogs require surgery?
Not all femur fractures in dogs require surgery. Your veterinarian will evaluate your dog’s injury to determine if surgery is necessary. If the fracture is a clean break and doesn’t affect the hip joint, then the vet may recommend conservative management like cage rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and bandaging. However, in most cases, surgery is needed to stabilize the bone and promote healing.
What happens during the surgery?
During femur fracture surgery, your dog will be under general anesthesia. The veterinarian will make an incision over the fracture and then use special hardware like pins, wires, or plates to align the broken bone and hold it in place. After the hardware is placed, the incision will be closed with sutures or staples.
How long does the surgery take?
The length of the surgery depends on the severity of the fracture and the type of hardware used. Generally, the procedure can take anywhere from one to three hours.
Will my dog be in pain after surgery?
It is normal for your dog to experience some pain and discomfort after surgery. Your veterinarian will prescribe pain medication to keep your dog comfortable. It is important to follow the medication schedule and dosage as instructed.
How long will my dog need to stay in the hospital after surgery?
The length of hospitalization depends on the severity of the fracture and the type of surgery performed. Generally, dogs need to stay in the hospital for one to three days after surgery for monitoring and pain management.
What is the recovery time after surgery?
The recovery time depends on the severity of the fracture, the type of surgery, and your dog’s overall health. It can take up to six weeks for the bone to heal, and during that time, your dog will need to limit their activity and movement. Your veterinarian will provide you with specific instructions for post-operative care and rehabilitation.
Can my dog walk on the operated leg immediately after surgery?
No, your dog should not walk on the operated leg immediately after surgery. Your dog will need to rest and recover for a few days before beginning to put weight on the leg. Your veterinarian will provide you with a rehabilitation plan and gradually increase your dog’s activity level.
How can I prevent femur fractures in my dog?
To prevent femur fractures in your dog, you should make sure your dog gets enough exercise to maintain muscle and bone strength. Additionally, you should supervise your dog during playtime and avoid high-risk activities like jumping from heights.
Will my dog need physical therapy after surgery?
Yes, physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process for dogs that have undergone femur fracture surgery. Your veterinarian may recommend exercises and rehabilitation techniques that can help your dog regain strength, mobility, and flexibility in the affected leg.
Can my dog develop complications after surgery?
Like with any surgery, there is always a risk of complications. Some of the potential complications associated with femur fracture surgery include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and hardware failure. However, these risks can be minimized by following your veterinarian’s post-operative care instructions and scheduling follow-up appointments.
How can I tell if my dog’s surgery was successful?
Your veterinarian will monitor your dog’s progress and perform x-rays to check the bone’s healing progress. Signs of a successful surgery include decreased pain, improved mobility, and proper alignment of the bone.
How much does femur fracture surgery cost?
The cost of femur fracture surgery varies depending on the severity of the injury, the type of surgery required, and the location of the veterinary clinic. In general, the cost can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Will my dog need follow-up appointments after surgery?
Yes, your dog will need follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and make sure that the bone is healing properly. Your veterinarian may recommend x-rays and physical exams at specific intervals to track your dog’s recovery.
What can I do to make my dog more comfortable during their recovery?
You can make your dog more comfortable during their recovery by following your veterinarian’s instructions for pain management, providing a comfortable and quiet space for them to rest, and offering lots of love and attention. It’s important to avoid any activities or situations that could aggravate the injury or cause pain.
What should I expect during my dog’s hospital stay?
During your dog’s hospital stay, they will be closely monitored by veterinary staff. They may need to stay in a cage or crate to restrict their movement and prevent further injury. Your dog will receive pain medication and antibiotics to manage pain and prevent infection. They may also receive fluids and be placed on a special diet.
Can my dog still lead an active lifestyle after the surgery?
Yes, with proper care and rehabilitation, most dogs can return to their normal activities after femur fracture surgery. However, it’s important to follow your veterinarian’s post-operative care instructions and avoid activities that could cause further injury.
What kind of exercises can I do with my dog during their recovery?
Your veterinarian may recommend a range of exercises to help your dog recover from femur fracture surgery. These exercises may include range of motion exercises, controlled walking, and hydrotherapy. It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions and not push your dog too hard during their recovery.
Can my dog develop arthritis after surgery?
Yes, dogs that have undergone femur fracture surgery may be at risk of developing arthritis later in life. However, with proper care and rehabilitation, the risk can be minimized. Your veterinarian may recommend joint supplements and regular check-ups to monitor your dog’s joint health.
Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. With a degree in Animal Behaviour and over a decade of practical animal husbandry experience, Hannah's articles cover everything from pet care to wildlife conservation. When she isn't creating content for blog posts, Hannah enjoys long walks with her Rottweiler cross Senna, reading fantasy novels and breeding aquarium shrimp.
