Abyssinian vs Chow Chow Vet Costs
Abyssinian owners spend $400-$1,050/yr at the vet. Chow Chow: $520-$1,300/yr. That's a $185/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
$500
Abyssinian costs less
Chow Chow
$7,000-$17,000
lifetime vet costs (12 yrs)
moderate-high health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Abyssinian | Chow Chow | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $725/yr | $910/yr | Abyssinian |
| Annual Range | $400-$1,050 | $520-$1,300 | - |
| Preventive Care | $300/yr | $380/yr | Abyssinian |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $420/yr | $550/yr | Abyssinian |
| Pet Insurance | $30-$65/mo | $48-$90/mo | Abyssinian |
| Spay/Neuter | $160-$380 | $200-$500 | Abyssinian |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $6,500-$16,500 | $7,000-$17,000 | 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
Chow Chow Health Risks
moderate-high risk · medium, 45-70 lbs · 12-year lifespan · 2 visits/year
- Entropion (eyelid rolling) (20-30%) $500-$2,000
- Hip dysplasia (18-22%) $1,500-$6,000
- Hypothyroidism (15-20%) $200-$600
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
Chow Chow
- Eye evaluation $80-$200
- Entropion surgery (if needed) $500-$2,000
- Hip screening $200-$400
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.
Chow Chow
$48-$90/mo ($576-$1,080/yr)
moderate-high risk. Insurance is close to mandatory for this breed. One surgery can exceed years of premiums.
Premiums from Nationwide, ASPCA, and Embrace. Accident + illness plans, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement.