Ah, sometimes I just hate dew claws for this very reason!
I have never heard of a pad growing back but a dew claw nail sometimes grow back if not removed correctly.
If it were me, and the Vet agreed, I would just have it removed.
I agree, if it is hanging there, it won't hurt to just remove it, but it should be monitored closely for secondary infections. $500 sounds excessively high. You may shop around for a more reasonable price and have it repaired.
My experience with surgery (or even teeth cleaning) much of the bill is for anesthetic and all the tests that go along with administering it, that is likely at least $300 of the $500 So, if the pad can be removed by someone simply constraining the dog, the pain not too much to bear, it should cost a lot less.... I say this with no prior knowledge or training. I have paid several vet bills in the neighborhood of $1,000 for procedures that included one or more surgery steps.
I think I live in a high cost neighborhood, and my vet has a very nice and elaborate animal hospital (she has two other vets associated with her practice) and they must employ about 10 people, so it takes a lot of "cash flow" to keep that business float. A small town one vet operation with maybe one assistant could cost less.
I would think, without seeing it, should be basically a snip and stitch procedure. Even at that, doubt too many dogs would tolerate that with just a local. Maybe some Ace or light anesthetic. OurVets prices have gone up too but I would not expect more than $200 here unless it is a large dog, more extensive surgery and more anesthesia needed.
Yep, sure can depend on where you live.
Hi my Pomeran has a yellow dew clew pad is that normal?