How much does pyometra surgery cost?

Emergency pyometra surgery typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the dog's stability and location.

Is pyometra surgery covered by insurance?

Yes, unless the dog was showing symptoms before the policy waiting period ended. It is considered an illness.

Can pyometra be treated without surgery?

Rarely. Medical management is risky and often fails. Surgery (emergency spay) is the only cure.

Pyometra Surgery Cost 2026: Emergency Price Guide & Survival Rates

Pyometra is not a ‘wait and see’ condition. It is a ‘run to the vet NOW’ condition.

Pyometra is a severe infection of the uterus in unspayed female dogs. The uterus fills with pus, toxins leak into the bloodstream, and without treatment, the dog will almost certainly die from septic shock or a ruptured uterus.

In 2026, the average cost of emergency Pyometra surgery is $3,500.

Because this almost always happens as an after-hours emergency, you are paying for the surgery plus emergency fees, stabilization, and hospitalization.

💰 2026 Cost Breakdown: The Emergency Factor

Why is this so much more expensive than a normal spay? A routine spay fits a healthy uterus the size of a pencil. A pyometra uterus can be the size of a cucumber, fragile, and ready to burst.

Facility Type	Est. Cost Range	Includes
General Vet (Business Hours)	$1,200 – $2,500	Surgery, fluids, basic meds
Emergency Hospital (ER)	$3,000 – $6,000+	24/7 care, advanced monitoring, ICU
Rural / Low-Cost Clinic	$800 – $1,500	Basic surgery (Higher risk)

Additional Costs to Expect:

Stabilization (IV Fluids/Antibiotics): $500 - $1,000 (Vital before anesthesia)
Bloodwork & X-Rays: $400 - $800

🏥 The Procedure: Emergency Ovariohysterectomy

The surgery is essentially an emergency spay, but significantly more complex.

Stabilization: The dog is often in shock. IV fluids and antibiotics are started immediately.
Removal: The surgeon must remove the infected uterus without rupturing it. Spilling pus into the abdomen causes peritonitis (severe infection).
Flush: The abdomen is flushed to remove toxins.

🛡️ Insurance Coverage Analysis

Is Pyometra covered?

YES, standard Accident & Illness policies cover pyometra.
NO, “Wellness” plans do not cover it (they cover routine spays, not emergency surgery).

The “Preventable” Clause: Some older or budget insurance policies might argue that pyometra is “preventable” via routine spaying and deny the claim. Most major carriers (Lemonade, Trupanion, Healthy Paws) DO COVER it as an illness, but check your policy’s fine print.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of Pyometra?

Increased thirst (polydipsia), excessive urination, lethargy, vomiting, and often (but not always) a pus-like vaginal discharge.

Can I just give my dog antibiotics?

No. The uterus is a closed abscess. Antibiotics cannot penetrate the pus effectively. The infection will return or the uterus will rupture.

What is the survival rate?

With successful surgery, the survival rate is high (>90%). Without surgery, the mortality rate is near 100%.