Dog health

Gordon Setter health problems and costs

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

Last updated: October 2026 · 22 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 5 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, bloat and cancer. A typical vet bill for a large dog runs $308 – $1,224.

Health problems linked to the Gordon Setter

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]
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Named by: breed club screening [9]The cells at the back of the eye slowly wear out, starting with night vision. It isn't painful, but it can lead to blindness. [8]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [10]
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. [11]Stomach emergency (owner bills): $550–$1,750 [12]
Hospital and ICU, median invoice: $1,261 (typical $505–$4,177) [7]
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. [13]Cancer treatment (owner bills): $3,000–$10,000 total [14]
Biopsy (owner bills): $170–$400 [15]

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 will test their stock for conditions the breed can be prone to, including screening for elbow and hip dysplasia and eye conditions, and DNA testing for a number of health-related issues. Gordons are generally healthy dogs, but there are a few concerns to be aware of bloat, a sudden, life-threatening stomach condition, can occur in the breed. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, CHIC DNA Repository, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Rod-Cone Dysplasia 4 (PRA-rcd4) - DNA Test. [1][9] 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 2 DNA health tests for the Gordon Setter, including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (rcd4-PRA); Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [16] One health test costs $58 there. [17]

What to budget

For a large dog like the Gordon Setter, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640), and surgery, when needed, runs $541 – $3,903. [18]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Gordon Setter at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,500. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 12–13 years and you get roughly $10,500–$19,700 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. [18][19] 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. [20] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [21] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [22]

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 Gordon Setter?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, bloat and cancer. That doesn't mean every Gordon Setter will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Gordon Setter?

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 Gordon Setter?

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 Gordon Setter breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, CHIC DNA Repository, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Rod-Cone Dysplasia 4 (PRA-rcd4) - DNA Test. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Gordon Setter live?

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

Gordon Setter 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 (22) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Gordon Setter 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 – Progressive retinal atrophy in dogs
  9. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  10. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  11. VCA – Bloat (GDV) in dogs
  12. VetReceipt – Dog Vomiting & Stomach Emergency Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  13. VCA – Lymphoma in dogs
  14. VetReceipt – Dog Cancer Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  15. VetReceipt – Dog Biopsy Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  16. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Gordon Setter DNA tests
  17. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  18. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  19. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  20. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  21. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  22. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)