How Much Does Foreign Body Surgery Cost for Dogs and Cats?

If your dog or cat has ingested a foreign object—like a sock, piece of string, or toy—emergency surgery may be necessary to save their life. At Coyote Ridge Veterinary Clinic & Urgent Care, with locations in Fort Collins and Berthoud, Colorado, we regularly treat pets with intestinal obstructions caused by foreign bodies. In this post, we break down what you can expect during this process, including the cost of foreign body surgery, how it's performed, and what recovery looks like.

What Is Foreign Body Surgery in Pets?

Foreign body surgery, also known as abdominal exploratory surgery, is performed when a pet swallows an object that becomes lodged in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This can block the normal passage of food and waste, leading to life-threatening complications such as intestinal rupture or tissue death (necrosis).

Common objects we remove include:

• Socks

• String or yarn (especially in cats)

• Corn cobs

• Toys or bones

• Hair ties or rubber bands

Cost of Foreign Body Surgery for Dogs and Cats

The cost of foreign body surgery depends on several factors, including the severity of the obstruction, diagnostic testing, and whether the procedure is performed by a general practitioner (GP) or a board-certified surgeon.

General Practitioner Surgery:

• $2,000 – $3,000 Performed by our experienced veterinarians at Coyote Ridge Veterinary Clinic.

Board-Certified Surgeon (Mobile Surgical Team):

• $3,000 – $5,000 Performed by one of our mobile, board-certified surgeons with specialized surgical expertise. We typically recommend this option for more complex cases (e.g. septic abdomen, intestinal rupture).

Initial Diagnosis Costs

Before surgery can be performed, we must confirm the presence and location of the foreign object. This includes:

• Physical examination

• Abdominal radiographs (X-rays)

• Abdominal ultrasound

• Comprehensive blood work

These diagnostic tests typically range from $400 to $1,000.

What Happens During Surgery?

Once the foreign body has been confirmed, your pet will be anesthetized and prepped for surgery. The veterinarian will:

1. Open the abdomen (a procedure called an exploratory laparotomy).

2. Identify the obstruction in the stomach or intestines.

3. Remove the object via a gastrotomy (stomach incision) or enterotomy (intestinal incision).

4. Inspect the rest of the GI tract for additional damage or obstructions.

5. Close the surgical site and begin post-operative care.

In cases where the object has caused tissue damage or necrosis, part of the intestine may need to be removed and reconnected (intestinal resection and anastomosis).

Post-Operative Recovery and Additional Costs

After surgery, the recovery process is critical—especially within the first 24 to 72 hours. Your pet may need:

• Pain management and IV fluids

• Antibiotics to prevent infection

• Monitoring for complications like infection or wound breakdown (dehiscence)

If your pet requires overnight ICU care, the cost at a 24-hour emergency facility in Colorado’s Front Range typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,500. This type of intensive care is not available at most general practice clinics but may be essential for some patients.

Why Choose Coyote Ridge for Foreign Body Surgery?

At Coyote Ridge Veterinary Clinic & Urgent Care, we work closely with pet owners, general practices, and specialty hospitals to provide life-saving foreign body removal surgery at a reasonable cost. We offer:

• Experienced general practice veterinarians

• Access to mobile board-certified surgeons

• Transparent pricing

• Compassionate post-operative care

If your pet has been diagnosed with a foreign body or is showing signs of obstruction—such as vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain—time is critical.

Contact Us Call Coyote Ridge Veterinary Clinic & Urgent Care at (970) 663-7387 to speak with our team about urgent care or surgical referrals. We proudly serve the Fort Collins, Berthoud, and Northern Colorado communities with expert veterinary care when your pet needs it most.