Manchester Terrier health problems and costs
The health issues a real source ties to the Manchester Terrier, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.
Last updated: October 2026 · 19 sources · see sources
Health problems linked to the Manchester Terrier
| Condition | What it is | Related costs |
|---|---|---|
| Luxating patella (slipping kneecap)Named by: AKC breed page [1] | 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) [3] Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [4] |
| Inherited eye diseaseNamed by: breed club screening [6] | Breed clubs ask for regular exams by a veterinary eye specialist to catch inherited eye problems before they cause trouble. [5] | Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [7] |
| Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)Named by: AKC breed page [1] | The heart muscle weakens and the heart gets bigger, so it pumps poorly. Some dogs show no signs until heart failure. [8] | Dog ultrasound (owner bills): $80–$500 [9] |
| HypothyroidismNamed by: breed club screening [6] | The thyroid gland makes too little hormone, which can cause weight gain, low energy and skin problems. A daily pill usually controls it. [10] | Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [11] |
| Von Willebrand's disease (bleeding disorder)Named by: breed club screening [6] | Blood doesn't clot normally, so cuts and surgeries can bleed more than expected. Testing before surgery is important. [12] | Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [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: Also, like some small dogs, the Manchester can be affected by 'loose knees,' or patellar luxation. Lovers of the Manchester Terrier around the globe are currently banding together to develop a genetic test for juvenile cardiomyopathy, a deadly disease that can affect the breed (and several others).
[1]
Health screening
The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation, Von Willebrand Disease I (VWDI) - DNA Test. [1][6] 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 Manchester Terrier, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [13] One health test costs $58 there. [14]
What to budget
For a small dog like the Manchester Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508), and surgery, when needed, runs $435 – $1,484. [15]
Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Manchester Terrier at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 15–17 years and you get roughly $13,100–$23,500 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 Manchester Terrier?
Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are luxating patella, inherited eye disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism and Von Willebrand's disease. That doesn't mean every Manchester Terrier will get them.
How much are vet bills for a Manchester Terrier?
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 Manchester Terrier?
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 Manchester Terrier breeder do?
The national breed club recommends: Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation, Von Willebrand Disease I (VWDI) - DNA Test. Ask to see the parents' results.
How long does a Manchester Terrier live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 15–17 years.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.
Sources (19) — tap to show
- AKC – Manchester Terrier breed page (with the national breed club)
- VCA – Luxating patella in dogs
- VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- OFA – Eye certification
- OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
- VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Ultrasound Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Hypothyroidism in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Von Willebrand's disease in dogs
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Manchester Terrier DNA tests
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
- 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)