Irish Red and White Setter health problems and costs
The health issues a real source ties to the Irish Red and White Setter, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.
Last updated: October 2026 · 17 sources · see sources
Health problems linked to the Irish Red and White Setter
| 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] |
| Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Named by: AKC breed page [1] | 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. [5] | Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [6] |
| 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. [7] | Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [6] 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. [9] | Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [10] |
| Von Willebrand's disease (bleeding disorder)Named by: AKC breed page [1] | Blood doesn't clot normally, so cuts and surgeries can bleed more than expected. Testing before surgery is important. [11] | Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [10] |
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: Some that present themselves occasionally include posterior polar cataracts (cataracts that form in the back of the eye), hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, von Willebrand's disease (a blood clotting issue), hypothyroidism, and immune disorders.
[1]
Health screening
The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency, Type I (CLAD, LAD-A) - DNA Test. [1][12] 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.
What to budget
For a medium dog like the Irish Red and White Setter, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482), and surgery, when needed, runs $264 – $2,106. [13]
Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Irish Red and White Setter at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 11–15 years and you get roughly $9,600–$20,400 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. [13][14] 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. [15] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [16] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [17]
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 Irish Red and White Setter?
Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hypothyroidism and Von Willebrand's disease. That doesn't mean every Irish Red and White Setter will get them.
How much are vet bills for a Irish Red and White Setter?
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 Irish Red and White 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 Irish Red and White Setter breeder do?
The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency, Type I (CLAD, LAD-A) - DNA Test. Ask to see the parents' results.
How long does a Irish Red and White Setter live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 11–15 years.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.
Sources (17) — tap to show
- AKC – Irish Red and White Setter 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)
- VCA – Progressive retinal atrophy in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Cataracts in dogs
- VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
- VCA – Hypothyroidism in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Von Willebrand's disease in dogs
- OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
- 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)