Socks, bones, toys or fruit stones: dogs swallow everything. When the object gets stuck in the stomach or intestine, surgery is often needed.
Key facts
- At a university vet hospital, opening the stomach or intestine to remove an object (gastrotomy or enterotomy) costs €350.
- If a damaged section of intestine has to be removed (enterectomy), it costs €700.
- If the object is in the oesophagus or stomach, it can sometimes be removed by endoscopy (€300) without surgery.
Reference prices (2026)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Exploratory laparotomy, gastrotomy or enterotomy | €350 |
| Enterectomy (removing a section of intestine) | €700 |
| Therapeutic endoscopy (no surgery) | €300 |
| Digital X-ray (first image) | €35 |
| 24 h stay with fluids and medication (cat or dog 0-9 kg) | €90 |
What makes the price vary?
Where the object is, whether the intestine is damaged, whether it is emergency surgery (this hospital adds a 25% surcharge), the anaesthetic by weight, tests and days in hospital. The surgery includes up to 24 hours of observation and two check-ups.
How much does Petplan cover?
Petplan Spain reimburses 100% of the invoice up to €3,100 a year, with a €45 co-payment per illness or accident, at the vet of your choice. It does not cover pre-existing conditions or preventive care, and there are waiting periods of 15 days for accidents and 30 days for illness.
The policy includes tests and surgery, and hospitalisation when the vet confirms it is needed. Accidentally swallowing an object is a typical case.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my dog has a blockage?
Repeated vomiting, refusing food, tummy pain, lethargy or not passing stools are warning signs. See your vet as soon as possible.
Is surgery always needed?
No. Some small objects pass on their own and others can be removed by endoscopy. The vet decides using X-rays or ultrasound.
Sources
- Veterinary Hospital of the University of Zaragoza, 2026 public prices (VAT included).
- Petplan, health insurance general conditions (in Spanish).
See also: cost of an endoscopy, cost of an X-ray, cost of hospitalisation and real cost of the vet in Spain 2026.
Indicative prices. Spain has no official price scale and each clinic sets its own fees: these are the public prices of a university veterinary hospital, and other clinics may charge differently.
