---
title: Rescue Dog with Cataracts, Skin Issues, and Cherry Eye
description: Buddy was only 2 years old when he was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes. Embrace helped pay for the surgery that saved his sight.
lastUpdated: 2025-10-02T19:06:16.000Z
sources:
  html: https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/coverage/cataracts-cherry-eye-dog
  md: https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/coverage/cataracts-cherry-eye-dog.md
---

# Buddy's Story

![A black dog named Buddy with a white snout sitting on top of a pile of clothes on his owner's bed has been diagnosed with Cataracts.](//images.ctfassets.net/cy68knbg9g5b/14XQmHeRAFE5yeXwOiWcIE/426f680c314607f82824fd91f9dc4d08/buddy---mixed-breed-dog_05b02506-791b-4610-b36b-8f9783eedce8.webp?)
Buddy developed a myriad of health problems before his fourth birthday.

### Vet Bill: $9,989

#### Background

Cataracts are generally an issue for senior dogs, so it was quite a surprise when Buddy, a 2 1/2 years old rescue dog, was diagnosed with them in both eyes. [The cost of surgery was steep](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/coverage/surgery-coverage) - $3,000 per eye - but the alternative meant he would lose his sight at a very young age... and Buddy's health issues didn't end there. Thankfully, he had an Embrace insurance policy and his parents chose to add the optional prescription coverage.

#### Buddy's pet parent, Michelle, shares his story:

"Our little 'Buddy' was found in the inner-city, homeless and abandoned. He eventually made his way to our home and has enjoyed the regularity of food and constant love ever since. He was less than a year old at the time and very mischievous. After having other dogs, we knew this dog would someday "get into something" and we would end up in a pet emergency clinic with a big bill. So, after doing some research into pet insurance, we found Embrace and signed up soon after taking Buddy into our home.

At about 2 1/2 years old, Buddy was diagnosed with cataracts and would need 2 eye surgeries. At $3,000/eye, I was so glad we didn't have to make a choice between our best friend going blind or being able to afford the care he needed. Soon after his surgeries, we took him into the vet due to constant scratching and discovered he had an allergy problem. So, back to the [specialty clinic to see a dermatologist](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/coverage/er-specialist-care). He now has to take a medication that costs approximately $100 every month and a half, and Embrace enables us to afford the medicine that keeps him comfortable.

Now, at age 4, he developed a problem with his right eye ("cherry eye") where the gland protrudes from the third eyelid, requiring another surgery. Thanks to Embrace he is a happy dog with 20/20 vision and we're not 'sleeping in the doghouse' wondering how to pay the vet bills. They've been a real God-send."

## Buddy's Claim Refund

| **Claim Details** | **Amount** |
| --- | --- |
| Actual Vet Bill | $9,988.91 |
| Covered Charges | $9,854.48 |
| Annual Deductible | $329.03 |
| Copay | $1,970.89 |
| Total Embrace Reimbursement | $7,554.56 |