Dog health

Wirehaired Vizsla health problems and costs

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

Last updated: October 2026 · 24 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 7 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, glaucoma, subvalvular aortic stenosis and bladder stones. A typical vet bill for a medium dog runs $239 – $1,107.

Health problems linked to the Wirehaired Vizsla

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated 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]
Elbow dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The bones of the elbow don't grow together quite right, which causes lameness in the front legs and early arthritis. [5]Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [6]
Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [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]
CataractsNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The lens of the eye turns cloudy and vision fades. Some cataracts can be removed surgically by a veterinary eye specialist. [10]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [9]
Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
GlaucomaNamed by: AKC breed page [1]Pressure builds up inside the eye. It is painful and can cause blindness quickly, so a red, cloudy or bulging eye needs a vet the same day. [11]Emergency visit (owner bills): $500–$1,600 [12]
Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS)Named by: AKC breed page [1]A narrowing below a heart valve makes the heart work harder. It is usually picked up as a murmur in a young dog. [13]Dog ultrasound (owner bills): $80–$500 [14]
Bladder stonesNamed by: AKC breed page [1]Minerals in the urine form stones that irritate the bladder or block urine flow. A pet straining to pee with nothing coming out needs a vet right away. [15]Urinary blockage and bladder stones (owner bills): $850–$4,200 [16]

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: The Wirehaired Vizsla is a generally healthy breed, and responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for health conditions such as hyperuricosuria (susceptibility to kidney and bladder stones), elbow and hip dysplasia, subaortic stenosis, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1][17] 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 Wirehaired Vizsla, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [18] One health test costs $58 there. [19]

What to budget

For a medium dog like the Wirehaired Vizsla, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482), and surgery, when needed, runs $264 – $2,106. [20]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Wirehaired Vizsla 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–$19,000 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. [20][21] 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. [22] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [23] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [24]

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 Wirehaired Vizsla?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, glaucoma, subvalvular aortic stenosis and bladder stones. That doesn't mean every Wirehaired Vizsla will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Wirehaired Vizsla?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482).

Should I get pet insurance for a Wirehaired Vizsla?

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 Wirehaired Vizsla breeder do?

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

How long does a Wirehaired Vizsla live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12–14 years.

Wirehaired Vizsla breed guideHip dysplasia in dogsElbow dysplasia surgery cost for dogsCarprofen (Rimadyl)Dog ACL (TPLO) surgery costArthritis treatment cost

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

Sources (24) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Wirehaired Vizsla breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
  3. VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  4. VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  5. OFA – Elbow dysplasia
  6. VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  7. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  8. VCA – Progressive retinal atrophy in dogs
  9. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  10. VCA – Cataracts in dogs
  11. VCA – Glaucoma in dogs
  12. VetReceipt – Emergency Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  13. VCA – Aortic stenosis in dogs
  14. VetReceipt – Dog Ultrasound Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  15. VCA – Bladder stones in dogs
  16. VetReceipt – Dog Urinary Blockage & Bladder Stone Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  17. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  18. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Wirehaired Vizsla DNA tests
  19. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  20. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  21. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  22. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  23. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  24. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)