Dog health

Field Spaniel health problems and costs

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

Last updated: October 2026 · 19 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 4 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, inherited eye disease, hypothyroidism and epilepsy. A typical vet bill for a medium dog runs $239 – $1,107.

Health problems linked to the Field Spaniel

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]
Inherited eye diseaseNamed by: breed club screening [3]Breed clubs ask for regular exams by a veterinary eye specialist to catch inherited eye problems before they cause trouble. [6]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [7]
HypothyroidismNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]The thyroid gland makes too little hormone, which can cause weight gain, low energy and skin problems. A daily pill usually controls it. [8]Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [9]
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. [10]Emergency visit (owner bills): $500–$1,600 [11]
Dog MRI (owner bills): $900–$2,900 [12]

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: Breeders are urged to adhere to recommended testing and consider orthopedics, thyroid, eyes, cardiac, and late-onset seizures when planning matings.Temperament, structure, and health are all very important in making up this breed that is a "combination of beauty and utility" in an enthusiastic canine companion. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Autoimmune Thyroiditis. [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 Field Spaniel, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [13] One health test costs $58 there. [14]

What to budget

For a medium dog like the Field Spaniel, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482), and surgery, when needed, runs $264 – $2,106. [15]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Field Spaniel at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 12–13 years and you get roughly $10,500–$17,600 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 Field Spaniel?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, inherited eye disease, hypothyroidism and epilepsy. That doesn't mean every Field Spaniel will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Field Spaniel?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482).

Should I get pet insurance for a Field 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 Field Spaniel breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Autoimmune Thyroiditis. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Field Spaniel live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12–13 years.

Field Spaniel breed guideHip dysplasia in dogsHypothyroidism in 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 (19) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Field Spaniel 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 – Eye certification
  7. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  8. VCA – Hypothyroidism in dogs
  9. VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  10. VCA – Epilepsy in dogs
  11. VetReceipt – Emergency Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  12. VetReceipt – Dog MRI Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  13. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Field Spaniel DNA tests
  14. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  15. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  16. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  17. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  18. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  19. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)