American Shorthair vs Cocker Spaniel Vet Costs
American Shorthair owners spend $350-$900/yr at the vet. Cocker Spaniel: $420-$1,000/yr. That's a $85/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
American Shorthair
$5,500-$13,500
lifetime vet costs (15 yrs)
low health risk
Lifetime Gap
$2,350
American Shorthair costs less
Cocker Spaniel
$7,200-$16,500
lifetime vet costs (13 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | American Shorthair | Cocker Spaniel | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $625/yr | $710/yr | American Shorthair |
| Annual Range | $350-$900 | $420-$1,000 | - |
| Preventive Care | $280/yr | $325/yr | American Shorthair |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $300/yr | $350/yr | American Shorthair |
| Pet Insurance | $25-$52/mo | $30-$60/mo | American Shorthair |
| Spay/Neuter | $150-$380 | $175-$400 | American Shorthair |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $5,500-$13,500 | $7,200-$16,500 | American Shorthair |
American Shorthair Health Risks
low risk · medium, 8-15 lbs · 15-year lifespan · 1-2 visits/year average
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (10-12%) $500-$5,000
- Obesity (30-40%) $100-$500
- Dental disease (60%+) $250-$800
Cocker Spaniel Health Risks
moderate risk · medium, 20-30 lbs · 13-year lifespan · 3-4 visits/year average
- Ear infections (30-40%) $100-$400
- Eye conditions (glaucoma, cataracts, cherry eye) (10-15%) $500-$4,000
- Allergies and skin issues (15-25%) $300-$1,500
- Patellar luxation (5-10%) $1,500-$4,000
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) (2-5%) $1,000-$5,000
Breed-Specific Procedures
American Shorthair
- Dental cleaning $250-$700
- Cardiac ultrasound $250-$450
- Wellness exam + vaccines $110-$260
Cocker Spaniel
- Ear cleaning/treatment $30-$150
- Eye exam $50-$150
- Dental cleaning $300-$600
- Allergy testing $200-$400
- Wellness exam + vaccines $150-$280
Insurance: Is It Worth It?
American Shorthair
$25-$52/mo ($300-$624/yr)
low risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Cocker Spaniel
$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.