Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems
Yorkies are prone to dental disease, knee and windpipe issues, and liver shunts. As a small breed, Yorkshire Terriers typically live 11 to 15 years.
Common conditions in Yorkshire Terriers
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.
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.
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.
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 Yorkshire Terriers prone to?
Yorkies are prone to dental disease, knee and windpipe issues, and liver shunts. The most common include dental disease, luxating patella, tracheal collapse, liver shunt.
How long do Yorkshire Terriers live?
Yorkshire Terriers typically live 11 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier while young and healthy gives the best coverage.
This shows conditions a Yorkshire Terrier 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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