Abyssinian vs Australian Shepherd Vet Costs
Abyssinian owners spend $400-$1,050/yr at the vet. Australian Shepherd: $420-$1,000/yr. That's a $15/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
Abyssinian
$6,500-$16,500
lifetime vet costs (15 yrs)
moderate health risk
Lifetime Gap
$350
Abyssinian costs less
Australian Shepherd
$7,200-$16,500
lifetime vet costs (13 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Abyssinian | Australian Shepherd | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $725/yr | $710/yr | Australian Shepherd |
| Annual Range | $400-$1,050 | $420-$1,000 | - |
| Preventive Care | $300/yr | $350/yr | Abyssinian |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $420/yr | $350/yr | Australian Shepherd |
| Pet Insurance | $30-$65/mo | $30-$60/mo | Australian Shepherd |
| Spay/Neuter | $160-$380 | $200-$500 | Abyssinian |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $6,500-$16,500 | $7,200-$16,500 | Abyssinian |
Abyssinian Health Risks
moderate risk · medium, 6-10 lbs · 15-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Renal amyloidosis (5-8%) $500-$5,000
- Progressive retinal atrophy (rdAc-PRA) (3-5%) $100-$400
- Dental disease (FORL) (30-40%) $300-$900
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-Def) (5-10%) $200-$2,000
Australian Shepherd Health Risks
moderate risk · large, 40-65 lbs · 13-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Hip dysplasia (8-12%) $1,500-$5,000
- Epilepsy (5-8%) $200-$1,000
- Eye defects (CEA, cataracts, coloboma) (8-15%) $200-$3,000
- MDR1 gene mutation (25-50%) $50-$150
- Autoimmune conditions (3-5%) $500-$3,000
Breed-Specific Procedures
Abyssinian
- rdAc-PRA + PK-Def DNA test $80-$180
- Kidney function blood panel $100-$250
- Dental cleaning + X-rays $300-$800
- Wellness exam + vaccines $120-$270
Australian Shepherd
- MDR1 DNA test $50-$150
- Hip screening $200-$400
- Eye exam (CERF) $50-$150
- Dental cleaning $300-$600
- Thyroid panel $50-$100
Insurance: Is It Worth It?
Abyssinian
$30-$65/mo ($360-$780/yr)
moderate risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Australian Shepherd
$30-$60/mo ($360-$720/yr)
moderate risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Premiums from Nationwide, ASPCA, and Embrace. Accident + illness plans, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement.