Pyrenean Shepherd health problems and costs
The health issues a real source ties to the Pyrenean Shepherd, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.
Last updated: October 2026 · 21 sources · see sources
Health problems linked to the Pyrenean Shepherd
| 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] |
| Luxating patella (slipping kneecap)Named by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1] | The kneecap slips out of its groove. Mild cases may only cause an odd skip in the step; severe cases can need surgery. [5] | Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [6] Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [7] |
| 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. [8] | Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [9] |
| Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)Named by: AKC breed page [1] | A blood vessel that should close after birth stays open. It is usually found as a murmur in puppies and is often fixed with a procedure. [10] | Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [6] |
| Epilepsy (seizures)Named by: AKC breed page [1] | Repeated seizures with no other cause found. Many dogs do well on daily medicine, but a long seizure is an emergency. [11] | Emergency visit (owner bills): $500–$1,600 [12] Dog MRI (owner bills): $900–$2,900 [13] |
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 their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, patellar subluxation, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), epilepsy, and eye defects such as choroidal hypoplasia (CH) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
[1]
Health screening
The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1][14] 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 Pyrenean Shepherd, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [15] One health test costs $58 there. [16]
What to budget
For a small dog like the Pyrenean Shepherd, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508), and surgery, when needed, runs $435 – $1,484. [17]
Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Pyrenean Shepherd at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 17–19 years and you get roughly $14,900–$26,300 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. [17][18] 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. [19] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [20] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [21]
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 Pyrenean Shepherd?
Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, luxating patella, progressive retinal atrophy, patent ductus arteriosus and epilepsy. That doesn't mean every Pyrenean Shepherd will get them.
How much are vet bills for a Pyrenean Shepherd?
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 Pyrenean Shepherd?
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 Pyrenean Shepherd breeder do?
The national breed club recommends: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. Ask to see the parents' results.
How long does a Pyrenean Shepherd live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 17–19 years.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.
Sources (21) — tap to show
- AKC – Pyrenean Shepherd 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 – Luxating patella in dogs
- VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Progressive retinal atrophy in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Patent ductus arteriosus in dogs
- VCA – Epilepsy in dogs
- VetReceipt – Emergency Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog MRI Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Pyrenean Shepherd 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)