The Price of Stomach-Flip Surgery for Dogs in 2024: Procedure and Recovery Costs

Stomach twisting and flipping may occur in all types of dogs, though it typically occurs in certain deep chested breeds, like the Great Dane or Weimaraner. When this happens, immediate surgery is necessary to flip the stomach back into position. If you have the type of dog that is more susceptible to their stomach twisting, veterinarians recommend you follow through with the stomach-flip surgery during their spay or neuter procedure. If they’ve already been spayed or neutered, the recommendation is that you have them perform the surgery after your pup is six months old as a means of prevention. Discover the price of stomach-flip surgery for dogs to reduce the likelihood of your canine companion developing this issue. Plus, learn what the procedure entails and what recovery costs to account for!

What Is Stomach-Flip Surgery for Dogs

Stomach-flip surgery, known as gastropexy surgery, is a procedure that corrects stomach placement in a dog that is at high risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). GDV is also referred to as “bloat,” and when it occurs, the stomach fills up and twists, causing immense pain and a continuously distending belly. It can fill with fluid or food and sometimes with gas. This condition is related to immediate activity after eating, though exact causes aren’t known. When left untreated, this condition is fatal, which makes gastropexy surgery necessary and life-saving in these cases.

What Does a Stomach-Flip Surgery for Dogs Entail?

During gastropexy surgery, veterinarians suture your pup’s stomach to their abdominal wall to keep it in its correct location and prevent (or correct) flipping. There are two variations of the surgery. The first is preventive, formally referred to as prophylactical. The second is in an emergency for the surgical management of GDV. Additionally, there are various techniques a veterinarian may use to complete the surgery. The most common requires two incisions — one on the outer layer of the stomach and the other inside the abdominal wall. These two incisions allow for the stomach wall and abdominal wall to be sutured together. Over time, scar tissue forms to further strengthen the connection, keeping the stomach securely held in the appropriate position.

Stomach-Flip Surgery for Dogs: Costs

The cost of stomach-flip, or gastropexy surgery, depends on whether it’s preventive or an emergency procedure. Emergency care, especially after hours, is significantly more expensive than a planned preventive procedure during normal veterinary office hours. A-Z-Animals spoke with the receptionist at Stage Road Animal Hospital in Angier, NC, who said the cost of preventive gastropexy surgery is $300 as a base price, not including anesthesia or pain medication.

Keep in mind that veterinary costs are highly dependent on the area in which you live. A small town in NC is going to have different prices than a bustling downtown veterinary office in New York City, for instance. One example is Tier 1 VMC, a veterinary office in Palmer, AK. They confirm emergency gastropexy surgery could cost upwards of $6,000. Without pet insurance, this could result in a heartbreaking decision as a pet owner. This goes to show why a preventive approach is best for a pup with a susceptibility to stomach flipping.

How Long Does Recovery After Stomach-Flip Surgery Take?

If you opt for a preventive procedure and can combine it with a spay or neuter surgery, the expected recovery time is about the same as the spay or neuter recovery time. It takes about two weeks for your pup to recover. During this period, you must monitor them to ensure there is no running, rough play, or jumping. You must also keep the incision area dry and clean until it’s fully healed (no bathing). To prevent your dog from aggravating the incision site, you also need to ensure they wear an Elizabethan collar.

Stomach-Flip Surgery Recovery: Costs

During recovery, you must account for the cost of pain medication. Studies confirm the median price for postoperative pain medication is $9.46. The cost of an Elizabethan collar may be under $10 for the standard plastic model. However, if you wish for your pup to be more comfortable, there are other cozier options that cost about $30. You may also need to invest in puzzle toys and a kennel if you don’t already have one. Plus, you’re going to need to supervise your pup throughout the recovery period, which may mean paying a dog-sitter when you’re away from home or taking unpaid leave from work. If your dog is extra-excitable, you may also ask your veterinarian for calming medication, which on average costs between $4 and $15 for a 30-day supply.

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