Dog health

Bouvier des Flandres health problems and costs

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

Last updated: October 2026 · 32 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 12 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataracts, glaucoma, subvalvular aortic stenosis, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, bloat, congenital deafness, liver shunt, laryngeal paralysis and megaesophagus. A typical vet bill for a large dog runs $308 – $1,224.

Health problems linked to the Bouvier des Flandres

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]
Elbow dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]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 [6]
Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
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. [8]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [9]
Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
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. [10]Emergency visit (owner bills): $500–$1,600 [11]
Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS)Named by: AKC breed page [1]A narrowing below a heart valve makes the heart work harder. It is usually picked up as a murmur in a young dog. [12]Dog ultrasound (owner bills): $80–$500 [13]
HypothyroidismNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The thyroid gland makes too little hormone, which can cause weight gain, low energy and skin problems. A daily pill usually controls it. [14]Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [15]
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. [16]Emergency visit (owner bills): $500–$1,600 [11]
Dog MRI (owner bills): $900–$2,900 [17]
Bloat (GDV)Named by: AKC breed page [1]The stomach fills with gas and can twist. It is a life-threatening emergency that usually needs surgery right away. [18]Stomach emergency (owner bills): $550–$1,750 [19]
Hospital and ICU, median invoice: $1,261 (typical $505–$4,177) [7]
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. [20]Vet exam fee (published prices): $75 (most $65–$88) [21]
Liver shuntNamed by: AKC breed page [1]A blood vessel bypasses the liver, so toxins aren't filtered out. Signs often show in young dogs, and surgery can correct many shunts. [22]Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [15]
Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
Laryngeal paralysisNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The voice box doesn't open properly when a dog breathes in, causing noisy breathing. Severe cases need surgery. [23]Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
MegaesophagusNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The food pipe loses its muscle tone, so food comes back up. Dogs often eat from a raised position to help food go down. [24]Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [6]

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: Bouviers are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders will screen their stock for health conditions such as Bouvier des Flandres myopathy, cataracts, deafness, ectopic ureters, epilepsy, glaucoma, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, laryngeal paralysis, megaesophagus, elbow dysplasia, portosystemic shunt, and subaortic stenosis. Like all large and deep-chested breeds, the Bouvier can experience gastric dilatation and bloat. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1][25] 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 Bouvier des Flandres, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [26] One health test costs $58 there. [27]

What to budget

For a large dog like the Bouvier des Flandres, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640), and surgery, when needed, runs $541 – $3,903. [28]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Bouvier des Flandres at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,500. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 10–12 years and you get roughly $8,800–$18,200 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. [28][29] 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. [30] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [31] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [32]

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 Bouvier des Flandres?

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, glaucoma, subvalvular aortic stenosis, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, bloat, congenital deafness, liver shunt, laryngeal paralysis and megaesophagus. That doesn't mean every Bouvier des Flandres will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Bouvier des Flandres?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640).

Should I get pet insurance for a Bouvier des Flandres?

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 Bouvier des Flandres breeder do?

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

How long does a Bouvier des Flandres live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10–12 years.

Bouvier des Flandres breed guideHip dysplasia in dogsElbow dysplasia 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 (32) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Bouvier des Flandres 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. OFA – Elbow dysplasia
  6. VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  7. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  8. VCA – Cataracts in dogs
  9. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  10. VCA – Glaucoma in dogs
  11. VetReceipt – Emergency Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  12. VCA – Aortic stenosis in dogs
  13. VetReceipt – Dog Ultrasound Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  14. VCA – Hypothyroidism in dogs
  15. VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  16. VCA – Epilepsy in dogs
  17. VetReceipt – Dog MRI Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  18. VCA – Bloat (GDV) in dogs
  19. VetReceipt – Dog Vomiting & Stomach Emergency Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  20. OFA – Congenital deafness
  21. PawsRx – Vet prices published by 1,009 US practices (Oct 2026)
  22. VCA – Portosystemic shunt in dogs
  23. VCA – Laryngeal paralysis in dogs
  24. VCA – Megaesophagus
  25. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  26. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Bouvier des Flandres DNA tests
  27. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  28. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  29. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  30. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  31. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  32. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)