Dog health

Border Collie health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Border Collie, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 24 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 6 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, Collie eye anomaly, epilepsy, congenital deafness, ear infections and kidney disease. A typical vet bill for a medium dog runs $239 – $1,107.

Health problems linked to the Border Collie

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated 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]
Collie eye anomalyNamed by: AKC breed page [1]An inherited problem in how the back of the eye develops. Many dogs see well, but severe cases can lose vision. [5]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [6]
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. [7]Emergency visit (owner bills): $500–$1,600 [8]
Dog MRI (owner bills): $900–$2,900 [9]
Congenital deafnessNamed by: AKC breed page [1]Some puppies and kittens are born deaf in one or both ears. A hearing test called BAER can check puppies early. [10]Vet exam fee (published prices): $75 (most $65–$88) [11]
Ear infectionsNamed by: AKC breed page [1]Floppy or hairy ears trap moisture, which makes infections more likely. Regular cleaning helps, and repeat infections often point to allergies. [12]Ear infection treatment (owner bills): $200–$650 [13]
Kidney diseaseNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The kidneys slowly lose their ability to filter waste. It is managed with diet, fluids and regular blood tests rather than cured. [14]Ongoing medication (owner bills): $40–$225 [15]
Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [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: The Border Collie is generally a very hardy and healthy breed, and a responsible breeder will screen breeding stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, progressive renal atrophy, deafness, epilepsy, collie eye anomaly, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, and trapped neutrophil syndrome. A BC's ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed regularly. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1][17] 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 Border Collie, including Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA); Multidrug Sensitivity (MDR1); Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [18] One health test costs $58 there, and its breed health panel is $80. [19]

What to budget

For a medium dog like the Border Collie, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482), and surgery, when needed, runs $264 – $2,106. [20]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Border Collie 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. [20][21] 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. [22] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [23] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [24]

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 Border Collie?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, Collie eye anomaly, epilepsy, congenital deafness, ear infections and kidney disease. That doesn't mean every Border Collie will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Border Collie?

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 Border Collie?

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 Border Collie breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Border Collie live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12–15 years.

Border Collie breed guideHip dysplasia in dogsEpilepsy and seizures in dogsCarprofen (Rimadyl)Dog ACL (TPLO) surgery costArthritis treatment cost

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (24) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Border Collie breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
  3. VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  4. VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  5. VCA – Collie eye anomaly
  6. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  7. VCA – Epilepsy in dogs
  8. VetReceipt – Emergency Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  9. VetReceipt – Dog MRI Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  10. OFA – Congenital deafness
  11. PawsRx – Vet prices published by 1,009 US practices (Oct 2026)
  12. VCA – Ear infections in dogs
  13. VetReceipt – Dog Ear Infection Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  14. VCA – Chronic kidney disease in dogs
  15. VetReceipt – Dog Chronic Medication Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  16. VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  17. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  18. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Border Collie DNA tests
  19. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  20. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  21. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  22. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  23. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  24. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)