Enucleation
Aproximate Cost:
$900 -$1,200
What It Is
Enucleation is the surgical removal of an eye. The procedure involves carefully detaching the eye from surrounding tissues, muscles, and the optic nerve, then closing the eyelids permanently. It is performed when the eye is severely diseased, damaged, or painful and cannot be saved.
Why It’s Performed
This surgery is done to relieve chronic pain or eliminate a source of infection or cancer. Common reasons include severe glaucoma, trauma, intraocular tumors, ruptured eyes, or advanced infections that have destroyed vision. Removing a nonfunctional, painful eye greatly improves comfort and quality of life.
Risks Involved
Possible complications include infection, bleeding, swelling, or fluid buildup under the incision. Rarely, damage to nearby tissues or incomplete removal of diseased tissue can occur. Pets adapt very well to the loss of one eye, and their quality of life is typically unaffected once healing is complete.
Typical Recovery Time
Most pets recover within 10–14 days. A safety cone is recommended during this period to prevent rubbing at the surgical site. Bruising and swelling are common in the first week but resolve as healing progresses.
Our Approach
At Howard County Animal Hospital in Ellicott City, MD, we perform enucleations with precision and care. Our goal is to make high-quality surgical care accessible and affordable for local pet owners, and we provide clear, upfront estimates so families can plan for the cost of treatment.
*Telemedicine Consult Available
We are committed to offering affordable surgery options with transparent pricing. The cost shown are general estimates only, and a personalized estimate will be provided after your consultation.
We accept all major credit cards, Zelle, and cash. For clients interested in payment plans, we also work with CareCredit.
What’s Included in Our Surgical Costs
Our surgical prices are designed to be as transparent as possible and include:
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All charges typically associated with the day of the procedure
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Preoperative exam the day of the procedure
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Anesthesia and monitoring required throughout the procedure
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All perioperative injectable medications administered before, during and after the procedure to keep your pet safe and comfortable
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IV catheter and fluids to maintain vascular support during your pet’s surgery and recovery
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Detailed discharge instructions for at-home aftercare
What’s NOT Included in Our Surgical Costs
The following items are not included in the surgical costs and may be recommended or required depending on your pet’s individual needs:
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Pre-operative diagnostic workups to determine the underlying problem (e.g., bloodwork, radiographs, ultrasound)
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All diagnostics associated with your pet's procedure would be included (e.g. orthopedic surgery requiring post-operative radiographs, cystotomy with stone analysis).
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Pre-anesthetic blood work
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Optional for healthy pets under 3 years old for routine procedures, but recommended to help ensure the safety of anesthesia.
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Radiographs (X-rays) associated with diagnosing or planning the procedure
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Medications to take home (such as pain meds, antibiotics, sedatives or safety collars).
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If needed: Continued care at a local ER for monitoring and stability, recommended for unstable and sick patients.
We will discuss all recommended or required services with you in advance so you have a complete understanding of your pet’s surgical plan and costs.