Dog health

Border Terrier health problems and costs

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

Last updated: October 2026 · 25 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 7 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, luxating patella, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, heart disease, epilepsy and allergies and itchy skin. A typical vet bill for a small dog runs $273 – $1,110.

Health problems linked to the Border Terrier

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]
Luxating patella (slipping kneecap)Named by: breed club screening [6]The kneecap slips out of its groove. Mild cases may only cause an odd skip in the step; severe cases can need surgery. [5]Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [8]
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Named by: AKC breed page [1]The cells at the back of the eye slowly wear out, starting with night vision. It isn't painful, but it can lead to blindness. [9]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [10]
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. [11]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [10]
Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
Heart diseaseNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]Breed clubs ask breeders to have hearts checked, often by a cardiologist, because some inherited heart problems run in the breed. [12]Dog ultrasound (owner bills): $80–$500 [13]
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. [14]Emergency visit (owner bills): $500–$1,600 [15]
Dog MRI (owner bills): $900–$2,900 [16]
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. [17]Allergy and skin treatment (owner bills): $275–$850 [18]

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 Terrier is generally a healthy breed, and and a responsible breeder will screen breeding stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, juvenile cataracts, seizures, heart problems, and allergies. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM) - DNA Test. [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 Border Terrier, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [19] One health test costs $58 there. [20]

What to budget

For a small dog like the Border Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508), and surgery, when needed, runs $435 – $1,484. [21]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Border Terrier 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–$20,700 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. [21][22] 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. [23] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [24] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [25]

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 Terrier?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, luxating patella, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, heart disease, epilepsy and allergies and itchy skin. That doesn't mean every Border Terrier will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Border 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 Border 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 Border Terrier breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM) - DNA Test. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Border Terrier live?

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

Border Terrier breed guideHip dysplasia in dogsLuxating patella surgery cost for 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 (25) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Border Terrier 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 – Luxating patella in dogs
  6. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  7. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  8. VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  9. VCA – Progressive retinal atrophy in dogs
  10. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  11. VCA – Cataracts in dogs
  12. OFA – Cardiac disease
  13. VetReceipt – Dog Ultrasound Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  14. VCA – Epilepsy in dogs
  15. VetReceipt – Emergency Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  16. VetReceipt – Dog MRI Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  17. VCA – Inhalant allergies (atopy) in dogs
  18. VetReceipt – Dog Allergy & Dermatology Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  19. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Border Terrier DNA tests
  20. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  21. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  22. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  23. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  24. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  25. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)