Clumber Spaniel health problems and costs
The health issues a real source ties to the Clumber Spaniel, 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 Clumber Spaniel
| Condition | What it is | Related 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: breed club screening [6] | 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 [7] Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [8] |
| Entropion (rolled-in eyelids)Named by: AKC breed page [1] | The eyelid rolls inward so lashes rub the eye. It is usually fixed with a small surgery. [9] | Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [8] |
| 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. [10] | Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [11] |
| Intervertebral disc disease (back problems)Named by: AKC breed page [1] | Discs between the bones of the spine bulge or burst and press on the spinal cord. It can cause pain or sudden weakness in the legs. [12] | Dog MRI (owner bills): $900–$2,900 [13] Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [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: Hip dysplasia also occurs in the breed. Clumbers are generally a healthy breed, although certain conditions are sometimes seen, including hypothyroidism (with side effects of skin and ear issues) and entropion or ectropion (eyelids that turn either in or out).
[1]
Health screening
The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase 1 Deficiency (PDP1) - 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 Clumber Spaniel, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [14] One health test costs $58 there. [15]
What to budget
For a large dog like the Clumber Spaniel, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640), and surgery, when needed, runs $541 – $3,903. [16]
Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Clumber Spaniel 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. [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 Clumber Spaniel?
Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, entropion, hypothyroidism and intervertebral disc disease. That doesn't mean every Clumber Spaniel will get them.
How much are vet bills for a Clumber Spaniel?
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 Clumber Spaniel?
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 Clumber Spaniel breeder do?
The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase 1 Deficiency (PDP1) - DNA Test. Ask to see the parents' results.
How long does a Clumber Spaniel live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10–12 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 – Clumber Spaniel breed page (with the national breed club)
- VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- OFA – Elbow dysplasia
- OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
- VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
- VCA – Eyelid entropion in dogs
- VCA – Hypothyroidism in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Degenerative disc disease in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog MRI Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Clumber Spaniel 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)