Australian Shepherd health problems and costs
The health issues a real source ties to the Australian Shepherd, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.
Last updated: October 2026 · 23 sources · see sources
Health problems linked to the Australian Shepherd
| Condition | What it is | Related costs |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1] | The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2] | Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [3] Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [4] |
| Elbow dysplasiaNamed by: breed club screening [6] | The bones of the elbow don't grow together quite right, which causes lameness in the front legs and early arthritis. [5] | Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [7] Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [8] |
| CataractsNamed by: AKC breed page [1] | The lens of the eye turns cloudy and vision fades. Some cataracts can be removed surgically by a veterinary eye specialist. [9] | Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [10] Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [8] |
| Epilepsy (seizures)Named by: AKC breed page [1] | Repeated seizures with no other cause found. Many dogs do well on daily medicine, but a long seizure is an emergency. [11] | Emergency visit (owner bills): $500–$1,600 [12] Dog MRI (owner bills): $900–$2,900 [13] |
| CancerNamed by: AKC breed page [1] | Some breeds have higher rates of cancers such as lymphoma, bone cancer or hemangiosarcoma. Catching a new lump early gives the most options. [14] | Cancer treatment (owner bills): $3,000–$10,000 total [15] Biopsy (owner bills): $170–$400 [16] |
Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.
Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: Aussies are generally healthy dogs, and a responsible breeder will test breeding stock for health concerns such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts and certain forms of cancer.
[1]
Health screening
The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1][6] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.
The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 3 DNA health tests for the Australian Shepherd, including Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA); Multidrug Sensitivity (MDR1); Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [17] One health test costs $58 there. [18]
What to budget
For a medium dog like the Australian Shepherd, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482), and surgery, when needed, runs $264 – $2,106. [19]
Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Australian Shepherd at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 12–15 years and you get roughly $10,500–$20,400 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [19][20] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.
Insurance and savings
The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [21] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [22] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [23]
Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.
Common questions
What health problems are common in the Australian Shepherd?
Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataracts, epilepsy and cancer. That doesn't mean every Australian Shepherd will get them.
How much are vet bills for a Australian Shepherd?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482).
Should I get pet insurance for a Australian Shepherd?
It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.
What health tests should a Australian Shepherd breeder do?
The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. Ask to see the parents' results.
How long does a Australian Shepherd live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12–15 years.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.
Sources (23) — tap to show
- AKC – Australian Shepherd breed page (with the national breed club)
- VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- OFA – Elbow dysplasia
- OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
- VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
- VCA – Cataracts in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Epilepsy in dogs
- VetReceipt – Emergency Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog MRI Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Lymphoma in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Cancer Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog Biopsy Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Australian Shepherd DNA tests
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
- ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
- NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
- RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
- VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)