Russian Toy health problems and costs
The health issues a real source ties to the Russian Toy, 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 Russian Toy
| Condition | What it is | Related costs |
|---|---|---|
| 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. [2] | Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [3] Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [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] |
| Heart diseaseNamed by: breed club screening [8] | Breed clubs ask breeders to have hearts checked, often by a cardiologist, because some inherited heart problems run in the breed. [7] | Dog ultrasound (owner bills): $80–$500 [9] |
| Dental diseaseNamed by: AKC breed page [1] | Plaque and tartar build up below the gumline and lead to infection and tooth loss. Small breeds and some cats are especially prone. [10] | Dog dental cleaning (owner bills): $700–$1,350 [11] Tooth extraction, average reported: $1,160 (range $400–$1,800) [12] |
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 progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and patellar luxation, and owners should be aware of the risk for eye injuries, such as ulcers. Periodontal disease, the build-up of tooth tartar, can begin by one year of age.
[1]
Health screening
The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1][8] 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 small dog like the Russian Toy, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508), and surgery, when needed, runs $435 – $1,484. [13]
Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Russian Toy at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 12–14 years and you get roughly $10,500–$19,400 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 Russian Toy?
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, heart disease and dental disease. That doesn't mean every Russian Toy will get them.
How much are vet bills for a Russian Toy?
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 Russian Toy?
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 Russian Toy breeder do?
The national breed club recommends: Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. Ask to see the parents' results.
How long does a Russian Toy live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12–14 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 – Russian Toy 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)
- VCA – Progressive retinal atrophy in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- OFA – Cardiac disease
- OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
- VetReceipt – Dog Ultrasound Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Dental disease in dogs
- VetReceipt – Vet cost guides from 2,900+ owner bills
- VetTally – Veterinary cost statistics, 932 reports (Oct 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)