Australian Terrier health problems and costs
The health issues a real source ties to the Australian Terrier, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.
Last updated: October 2026 · 20 sources · see sources
Health problems linked to the Australian Terrier
| Condition | What it is | Related costs |
|---|---|---|
| Luxating patella (slipping kneecap)Named by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1] | The kneecap slips out of its groove. Mild cases may only cause an odd skip in the step; severe cases can need surgery. [2] | Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [3] Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [4] |
| Inherited eye diseaseNamed by: breed club screening [6] | Breed clubs ask for regular exams by a veterinary eye specialist to catch inherited eye problems before they cause trouble. [5] | Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [7] |
| HypothyroidismNamed by: breed club screening [6] | The thyroid gland makes too little hormone, which can cause weight gain, low energy and skin problems. A daily pill usually controls it. [8] | Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [9] |
| Allergies and itchy skinNamed by: AKC breed page [1] | Allergies to pollen, dust mites or food often show up as itchy skin, paw licking and ear infections. They are managed, not cured. [10] | Allergy and skin treatment (owner bills): $275–$850 [11] |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes diseaseNamed by: AKC breed page [1] | The top of the thigh bone loses its blood supply and breaks down, causing a limp in young small-breed dogs. Surgery is the usual fix. [12] | Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [13] |
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: A responsible breeder will test breeding stock for health conditions such as luxating patella (a dislocated kneecap called a 'trick knee' in humans) and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a malformation of the hip joint that manifests early and can be corrected with surgery. Some dogs can develop itchy skin conditions, and flea control is essential.
[1]
Health screening
The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid 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 1 DNA health test for the Australian Terrier, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [14] One health test costs $58 there. [15]
What to budget
For a small dog like the Australian Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508), and surgery, when needed, runs $435 – $1,484. [16]
Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Australian Terrier at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 11–15 years and you get roughly $9,600–$20,700 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. [16][17] 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. [18] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [19] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [20]
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 Terrier?
Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are luxating patella, inherited eye disease, hypothyroidism, allergies and itchy skin and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. That doesn't mean every Australian Terrier will get them.
How much are vet bills for a Australian Terrier?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508).
Should I get pet insurance for a Australian Terrier?
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 Terrier breeder do?
The national breed club recommends: Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation. Ask to see the parents' results.
How long does a Australian Terrier live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 11–15 years.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.
Sources (20) — tap to show
- AKC – Australian Terrier breed page (with the national breed club)
- VCA – Luxating patella in dogs
- VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- OFA – Eye certification
- OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
- VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Hypothyroidism in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Inhalant allergies (atopy) in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Allergy & Dermatology Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Australian Terrier 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)