Dog health

Irish Wolfhound health problems and costs

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

Last updated: October 2026 · 26 sources · see sources

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

Health problems linked to the Irish Wolfhound

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: breed club screening [3]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]
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. [9]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [10]
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. [11]Dog ultrasound (owner bills): $80–$500 [12]
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. [13]Stomach emergency (owner bills): $550–$1,750 [14]
Hospital and ICU, median invoice: $1,261 (typical $505–$4,177) [8]
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. [15]Cancer treatment (owner bills): $3,000–$10,000 total [16]
Biopsy (owner bills): $170–$400 [17]
Liver shuntNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]A blood vessel bypasses the liver, so toxins aren't filtered out. Signs often show in young dogs, and surgery can correct many shunts. [18]Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [19]
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: Responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock for health and genetic conditions such as pneumonia, heart disease, certain cancers and liver shunt. Like other large and deep-chested breeds, Wolfhounds can experience bloat, a sudden and life-threatening swelling of the abdomen, and owners should educate themselves about its symptoms and what to do should bloat occur. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Serum Bile Acids. [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 Irish Wolfhound, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [20] One health test costs $58 there. [21]

What to budget

For a giant dog like the Irish Wolfhound, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607). [22]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Irish Wolfhound at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,500. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 6–8 years and you get roughly $5,200–$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. [22][23] 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. [24] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [25] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [26]

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 Wolfhound?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, inherited eye disease, heart disease, bloat, cancer and liver shunt. That doesn't mean every Irish Wolfhound will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Irish Wolfhound?

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 Irish Wolfhound?

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 Wolfhound breeder do?

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

How long does a Irish Wolfhound live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 6–8 years.

Irish Wolfhound 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 (26) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Irish Wolfhound 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 – Eye certification
  10. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  11. OFA – Cardiac disease
  12. VetReceipt – Dog Ultrasound Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  13. VCA – Bloat (GDV) in dogs
  14. VetReceipt – Dog Vomiting & Stomach Emergency Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  15. VCA – Lymphoma in dogs
  16. VetReceipt – Dog Cancer Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  17. VetReceipt – Dog Biopsy Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  18. VCA – Portosystemic shunt in dogs
  19. VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  20. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Irish Wolfhound DNA tests
  21. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  22. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  23. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  24. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  25. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  26. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)