Boston Terrier health problems and costs
The health issues a real source ties to the Boston Terrier, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.
Last updated: October 2026 · 19 sources · see sources
Health problems linked to the Boston 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] |
| 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. [5] | Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [6] Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [3] |
| GlaucomaNamed by: AKC breed page [1] | Pressure builds up inside the eye. It is painful and can cause blindness quickly, so a red, cloudy or bulging eye needs a vet the same day. [7] | Emergency visit (owner bills): $500–$1,600 [8] |
| Congenital deafnessNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1] | Some puppies and kittens are born deaf in one or both ears. A hearing test called BAER can check puppies early. [9] | Vet exam fee (published prices): $75 (most $65–$88) [10] |
| Breathing problems (brachycephalic airway syndrome)Named by: AKC breed page [1] | Flat-faced breeds can have narrow nostrils and a long soft palate that make breathing hard, especially in heat. Surgery can open the airway. [11] | Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [3] Emergency visit (owner bills): $500–$1,600 [8] |
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: Responsible breeders screen their stock for eye problems such as cataracts, corneal ulcers, and glaucoma, as well as deafness and patellar luxation (comparable to a "trick knee" in humans). Like all flat-faced breeds, Bostons can experience difficulty breathing when not given adequate shelter from excessive heat or humidity.
[1]
Health screening
The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, BAER Testing. [1][12] 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 Boston Terrier, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [13] One health test costs $58 there. [14]
What to budget
For a small dog like the Boston Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508), and surgery, when needed, runs $435 – $1,484. [15]
Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Boston Terrier at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 11–13 years and you get roughly $9,600–$18,000 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. [15][16] 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. [17] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [18] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [19]
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 Boston Terrier?
Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are luxating patella, cataracts, glaucoma, congenital deafness and breathing problems. That doesn't mean every Boston Terrier will get them.
How much are vet bills for a Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston Terrier breeder do?
The national breed club recommends: Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, BAER Testing. Ask to see the parents' results.
How long does a Boston Terrier live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 11–13 years.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.
Sources (19) — tap to show
- AKC – Boston 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)
- VCA – Cataracts in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Glaucoma in dogs
- VetReceipt – Emergency Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- OFA – Congenital deafness
- PawsRx – Vet prices published by 1,009 US practices (Oct 2026)
- VCA – Brachycephalic airway syndrome in dogs
- OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Boston 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)