Dog health

Dogue de Bordeaux health problems and costs

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

Last updated: October 2026 · 27 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 7 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart disease, epilepsy, bloat, ear infections and cancer. A typical vet bill for a giant dog runs $350 – $1,373.

Health problems linked to the Dogue de Bordeaux

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Hip dysplasiaNamed by: breed club screening [3]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) [4]
Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [5]
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. [6]Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [7]
Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [8]
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. [9]Dog ultrasound (owner bills): $80–$500 [10]
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. [11]Emergency visit (owner bills): $500–$1,600 [12]
Dog MRI (owner bills): $900–$2,900 [13]
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. [14]Stomach emergency (owner bills): $550–$1,750 [15]
Hospital and ICU, median invoice: $1,261 (typical $505–$4,177) [8]
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. [16]Ear infection treatment (owner bills): $200–$650 [17]
CancerNamed by: AKC breed page [1]Some breeds have higher rates of cancers such as lymphoma, bone cancer or hemangiosarcoma. Catching a new lump early gives the most options. [18]Cancer treatment (owner bills): $3,000–$10,000 total [19]
Biopsy (owner bills): $170–$400 [20]

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: Heart disease, cancer, orthopedic issues (such as hips and elbows), and epilepsy are also issues of concern in the breed. Bloat, or gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), is a serious concern in the Dogue de Bordeaux. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Shoulder Evaluation. [1][3] 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 Dogue de Bordeaux, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [21] One health test costs $58 there. [22]

What to budget

For a giant dog like the Dogue de Bordeaux, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607). [23]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Dogue de Bordeaux at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,500. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 5–8 years and you get roughly $4,400–$11,900 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. [23][24] 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. [25] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [26] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [27]

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 Dogue de Bordeaux?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart disease, epilepsy, bloat, ear infections and cancer. That doesn't mean every Dogue de Bordeaux will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Dogue de Bordeaux?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For giant dogs, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607).

Should I get pet insurance for a Dogue de Bordeaux?

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 Dogue de Bordeaux breeder do?

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

How long does a Dogue de Bordeaux live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 5–8 years.

Dogue de Bordeaux 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 (27) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Dogue de Bordeaux breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
  3. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  4. VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  5. VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  6. OFA – Elbow dysplasia
  7. VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  8. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  9. OFA – Cardiac disease
  10. VetReceipt – Dog Ultrasound Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  11. VCA – Epilepsy in dogs
  12. VetReceipt – Emergency Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  13. VetReceipt – Dog MRI Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  14. VCA – Bloat (GDV) in dogs
  15. VetReceipt – Dog Vomiting & Stomach Emergency Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  16. VCA – Ear infections in dogs
  17. VetReceipt – Dog Ear Infection Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  18. VCA – Lymphoma in dogs
  19. VetReceipt – Dog Cancer Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  20. VetReceipt – Dog Biopsy Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  21. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dogue de Bordeaux DNA tests
  22. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  23. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  24. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  25. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  26. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  27. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)