Abyssinian vs Shih Tzu Vet Costs
Abyssinian owners spend $400-$1,050/yr at the vet. Shih Tzu: $380-$900/yr. That's a $85/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
$250
Abyssinian costs less
Shih Tzu
$7,000-$16,500
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Abyssinian | Shih Tzu | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $725/yr | $640/yr | Shih Tzu |
| Annual Range | $400-$1,050 | $380-$900 | - |
| Preventive Care | $300/yr | $280/yr | Shih Tzu |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $420/yr | $300/yr | Shih Tzu |
| Pet Insurance | $30-$65/mo | $25-$50/mo | Shih Tzu |
| Spay/Neuter | $160-$380 | $150-$350 | Shih Tzu |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $6,500-$16,500 | $7,000-$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
Shih Tzu Health Risks
moderate risk · small, 9-16 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Eye problems (proptosis, ulcers, dry eye) (15-25%) $300-$3,000
- Dental disease (25-35%) $400-$1,200
- Patellar luxation (10-15%) $1,500-$4,000
- Brachycephalic airway issues (10-20%) $1,000-$4,000
- Ear infections (15-20%) $100-$300
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
Shih Tzu
- Eye exam $50-$150
- Dental cleaning $350-$700
- Patellar evaluation $50-$100
- Ear cleaning/treatment $20-$80
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
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.
Shih Tzu
$25-$50/mo ($300-$600/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.