Cat Nasal Polyp Surgery Cost for 2024

h it’sCaring for our feline friends is a big responsibility, and often a costly one. Sometimes our fur babies require treatments for an accident or illness, and these treatments can come with a hefty price tag. Certain cats seem to be predisposed to developing nasal polyps, which require surgery to be removed so the cat can breathe easier. If your cat has been diagnosed with these polyps, you may be wondering about cat nasal polyp surgery cost.

What are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous fleshy growths that develop in the nasal passages of cats. Sometimes these polyps can also grow in the area just above the soft palate or inside of the ear canal. 

Nasal polyps are typically seen in young cats, though they can also develop in older cats. These growths can affect cats of any breed.

What Causes Nasal Polyps?

It is not entirely understood what causes nasal polyps, though it’s believed that genetics plays a large role in the development of these growths. It is also believed that certain infections may also trigger inflammation, which in turn causes polyps to develop.

What are the Signs of Nasal Polyps?

The signs of nasal polyps can vary depending on where they are located. Those polyps that are in the nasal passages will cause symptoms that mimic an upper respiratory infection. No matter the medicine or treatment, the symptoms never seem to go away.

Commonly observed signs include nasal congestion, sneezing, and increased respiratory sounds. Generally, these fur balls have trouble breathing because their nasal passages are blocked by these growths.

In more severe cases, the nasal polyps may grow down into the throat, increasing difficulty of breathing and swallowing. Those fur babies with polyps in their ears may constantly tilt their head to one side, paw at their ears frequently, and develop frequent or recurrent ear infections.

How are Nasal Polyps Treated?

Surgery is the most common treatment of nasal polyps, though there are different procedures. Traction or avulsion uses forceps to grab and twist/pull the polyp free from whatever it has attached to. A procedure called laser ablation uses a laser to remove the polyps. This procedure is less commonly used but may be very beneficial in some cases. In either case, the cat is put under general anesthesia. 

After surgery antibiotics are usually prescribed to prevent any infection at the surgical site. Some vets also prescribe a gradual tapering dose of a steroid to decrease inflammation and reduce the likelihood of the polyp recurring. 

What is the Cost of Cat Nasal Polyp Surgery?

According to Lemonade pet insurance, cat nasal polyp surgery costs between $500 and $2,500, depending on specific circumstances and where in the country you live. That can be a considerable cost for many people.

The good news is pet insurance can help you recoup the cost of cat nasal polyp surgery. And in some cases, paying back between 80% and 90% of the total bill. This can help pet parents get the surgery done instead of putting it off until they can afford it. With your kitty struggling to breathe properly, timing is everything.

What is the Prognosis for Nasal Polyps?

Polyps do sometimes grow back. It is believed that those growths removed by traction or avulsion have a 15% – 50% chance of recurrence. This is because the underlying factors that caused the growths may be unknown or hard to combat (heredity). Sometimes steroids will be used to decrease the size of recurring polyps, other times surgery will be necessary to go in and remove the growth.

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References:

1. https://www.lemonade.com/pet/explained/cat-surgery-cost/
2. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nasal-polyps-in-cats
3. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/ear-disorders/tumors-of-the-ear-canal-and-middle-ear/nasopharyngeal-polyps-in-animals

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.