Dog health

Italian Greyhound health problems and costs

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

Last updated: October 2026 · 18 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 4 health issues to plan for: luxating patella, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. A typical vet bill for a small dog runs $273 – $1,110.

Health problems linked to the Italian Greyhound

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Luxating patella (slipping kneecap)Named by: breed club screening [3]The kneecap slips out of its groove. Mild cases may only cause an odd skip in the step; severe cases can need surgery. [2]Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [4]
Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [5]
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. [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]
Legg-Calve-Perthes diseaseNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The top of the thigh bone loses its blood supply and breaks down, causing a limp in young small-breed dogs. Surgery is the usual fix. [10]Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [11]

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 screen for health conditions such as PRA, autoimmune problems, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and hypothyroidism. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid 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 Italian Greyhound, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [12] One health test costs $58 there, and its breed health panel is $105. [13]

What to budget

For a small dog like the Italian Greyhound, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508), and surgery, when needed, runs $435 – $1,484. [14]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Italian Greyhound at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 14–15 years and you get roughly $12,200–$20,700 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. [14][15] 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. [16] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [17] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [18]

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 Italian Greyhound?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are luxating patella, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. That doesn't mean every Italian Greyhound will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Italian Greyhound?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508).

Should I get pet insurance for a Italian Greyhound?

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 Italian Greyhound breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Italian Greyhound live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 14–15 years.

Italian Greyhound breed guideLuxating patella surgery cost for dogsProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in dogsLevothyroxineSurgery and hospitalization costDiagnostics cost

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (18) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Italian Greyhound breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Luxating patella in dogs
  3. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  4. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  5. VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  6. VCA – Progressive retinal atrophy in dogs
  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 – Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
  11. VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  12. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Italian Greyhound DNA tests
  13. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  14. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  15. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  16. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  17. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  18. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)