Dog health

Silky Terrier health problems and costs

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

Last updated: October 2026 · 15 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 3 health issues to plan for: luxating patella, inherited eye disease and ear infections. A typical vet bill for a small dog runs $273 – $1,110.

Health problems linked to the Silky Terrier

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated 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: AKC breed page [1]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 [6]
Ear infectionsNamed by: AKC breed page [1]Floppy or hairy ears trap moisture, which makes infections more likely. Regular cleaning helps, and repeat infections often point to allergies. [7]Ear infection treatment (owner bills): $200–$650 [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 test their stock for conditions the breed can be prone to, including patellar luxation and eye disease. A Silky Terrier's ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs. [1]

Health screening

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 1 DNA health test for the Silky Terrier, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [9] One health test costs $58 there. [10]

What to budget

For a small dog like the Silky Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508), and surgery, when needed, runs $435 – $1,484. [11]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Silky Terrier at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 13–15 years and you get roughly $11,400–$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. [11][12] 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. [13] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [14] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [15]

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 Silky 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 and ear infections. That doesn't mean every Silky Terrier will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Silky 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 Silky 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.

How long does a Silky Terrier live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 13–15 years.

Silky Terrier breed guideLuxating patella surgery cost for dogsEar infection treatment cost for catsCephalexinSurgery and hospitalization costDiagnostics cost

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

Sources (15) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Silky Terrier breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Luxating patella in dogs
  3. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  4. VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  5. OFA – Eye certification
  6. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  7. VCA – Ear infections in dogs
  8. VetReceipt – Dog Ear Infection Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  9. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Silky Terrier DNA tests
  10. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  11. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  12. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  13. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  14. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  15. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)