Dog health conditions and what they cost to treat
31 conditions that drive dog insurance claims, with typical US treatment costs and the breeds most at risk for each.
- 31Conditions tracked across our breeds
- Eye conditionsMost widespread: linked to 102 breeds
- $12,000Top of the range: intervertebral disc disease (ivdd)
- Eye conditions$300–$6,700Hereditary eye problems; cataract surgery is the expensive end.
- Hip dysplasia$1,000–$6,000Malformed hip joint leading to arthritis. Treatment ranges from pain management to total hip replacement.
- Allergic skin disease$300–$1,500Chronic itching and infections managed with medication, diet and periodic vet visits.
- Patellar luxation$1,500–$3,000Dislocating kneecap, common in small breeds; surgical correction in moderate to severe cases.
- Elbow dysplasia$1,500–$4,000Developmental elbow joint disease common in large breeds, often needs arthroscopic surgery.
- Heart disease$1,100–$2,500Cardiomyopathy or valve disease; diagnostics and lifelong medication.
- Hypothyroidism$290–$750Underactive thyroid; blood tests and daily medication.
- Bloat (GDV)$2,000–$7,500Life-threatening stomach twist in deep-chested breeds; emergency surgery.
- Epilepsy$200–$5,000Seizure disorder; diagnostics plus lifelong medication.
- Cancer$3,000–$10,000Lymphoma, mast cell tumors, osteosarcoma; surgery, chemo or radiation.
- Dental disease$300–$3,000Periodontal disease and extractions, very common in small breeds.
- Chronic ear infections$150–$800Recurring otitis, especially in floppy-eared breeds.
- Cruciate ligament tear (CCL)$2,000–$5,000Knee ligament rupture, usually repaired with TPLO surgery.
- Entropion$300–$1,500Inward-rolling eyelid; corrective surgery.
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)$2,000–$12,000Spinal disc herniation, common in long-backed breeds; may require emergency neurosurgery.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease$1,200–$3,000Loss of blood supply to the femoral head in small and toy breeds, usually corrected with a femoral head ostectomy.
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome$300–$5,000Breathing obstruction in flat-faced breeds; surgery to widen nostrils and shorten the soft palate.
- Chronic kidney disease$1,000–$6,000Declining kidney function from hereditary nephropathy or amyloidosis; diagnostics, prescription renal diets, fluid therapy and monitoring for the rest of the dog's life.
- Collapsing trachea$500–$5,000Weak windpipe cartilage in toy breeds; medication, stent surgery in severe cases.
- Von Willebrand disease$300–$2,000Inherited bleeding disorder; matters most around surgery.
- Congenital deafness$200–$1,500Inherited hearing loss, most common in white or merle-coated breeds; BAER testing confirms it and there is no cure, so cost is diagnostic testing plus specialized training.
- Addison's disease$800–$3,000Adrenal insufficiency; emergency stabilization then monthly injections.
- Bladder stones$1,500–$3,500Urinary stones needing diet change or surgical removal.
- Skin fold dermatitis$360–$2,500Recurrent infections in facial and body folds.
- Cherry eye$300–$800Prolapsed tear gland; surgical repositioning.
- Degenerative myelopathy$500–$3,000Progressive spinal cord disease; diagnostics, physio and mobility aids.
- Diabetes$1,500–$5,000Lifelong insulin, monitoring and diet; cost per year.
- Familial Shar-Pei fever$1,000–$7,000Recurring fever episodes that can progress to fatal kidney amyloidosis in Shar-Peis; lifelong colchicine, monitoring and, in advanced cases, hospitalization for kidney failure.
- Limb fracture repair$1,000–$6,000Broken leg needing surgical plating or pinning; a well-documented risk in thin-boned small breeds that jump or are dropped.
- Pancreatitis$1,500–$6,000Inflamed pancreas, often diet-related; hospitalization in severe cases.
- Shoulder OCD$2,000–$4,000Cartilage defect in fast-growing large breeds; arthroscopy.
Costs are typical per-episode US treatment ranges; your vet's estimate may differ. Read our guides for how insurance pays these bills.