American Shorthair vs Irish Setter Vet Costs
American Shorthair owners spend $350-$900/yr at the vet. Irish Setter: $480-$1,100/yr. That's a $165/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
$1,750
American Shorthair costs less
Irish Setter
$7,000-$15,500
lifetime vet costs (13 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | American Shorthair | Irish Setter | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $625/yr | $790/yr | American Shorthair |
| Annual Range | $350-$900 | $480-$1,100 | - |
| Preventive Care | $280/yr | $360/yr | American Shorthair |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $300/yr | $420/yr | American Shorthair |
| Pet Insurance | $25-$52/mo | $40-$75/mo | American Shorthair |
| Spay/Neuter | $150-$380 | $200-$500 | American Shorthair |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $5,500-$13,500 | $7,000-$15,500 | 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
Irish Setter Health Risks
moderate risk · large, 60-70 lbs · 13-year lifespan · 1-2 visits/year
- Hip dysplasia (10-15%) $1,500-$6,000
- Epilepsy (5-8%) $300-$2,000
- Bloat (GDV) (3-5%) $3,000-$7,000
Breed-Specific Procedures
American Shorthair
- Dental cleaning $250-$700
- Cardiac ultrasound $250-$450
- Wellness exam + vaccines $110-$260
Irish Setter
- Hip OFA screening $250-$500
- Dental cleaning $300-$700
- Wellness exam + vaccines $150-$300
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.
Irish Setter
$40-$75/mo ($480-$900/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.