Maltese Health Problems
Maltese are generally healthy small dogs but prone to dental disease, knee issues, and liver shunts. As a small breed, Malteses typically live 12 to 15 years.
Common conditions in Malteses
Dental disease
$300 to $1,200 per cleaning, more with extractionsTartar, gum disease, and crowded teeth, especially common in small breeds, that need regular cleanings.
Luxating patella
$1,500 to $4,000 per knee if surgery is neededA kneecap that slips out of its groove, causing a skip in the step and, over time, arthritis.
Liver shunt
$2,000 to $6,000 for surgeryAn abnormal blood vessel that bypasses the liver, so toxins build up. Often seen in small breeds.
Tracheal collapse
$100 to $500 a year to manage, more if surgery is neededA weakening of the windpipe that causes a honking cough, common in toy breeds.
Several of these are inherited or chronic, and treatment can run into the thousands. Pet insurance only covers them if you enroll before the condition shows up, since pre-existing conditions are usually excluded.
Get an insurance quote →Frequently asked questions
What health problems are Malteses prone to?
Maltese are generally healthy small dogs but prone to dental disease, knee issues, and liver shunts. The most common include dental disease, luxating patella, liver shunt, tracheal collapse.
How long do Malteses live?
Malteses typically live 12 to 15 years. Regular vet checkups, a healthy weight, dental care, and knowing your breed's risks all help them live longer.
Does pet insurance cover Maltese health problems?
Most accident and illness plans help with inherited and chronic conditions, but only if you enroll before the condition appears. Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, so insuring a Maltese while young and healthy gives the best coverage.
This shows conditions a Maltese is statistically more prone to, not a diagnosis or a certainty. Costs are educational estimates. Always talk to your vet about your individual dog.
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