Health Profile

Maltese

Breed-specific health conditions, expected vet costs, and prevention strategies for Maltese owners.

$689 Expected medical
$10–$2,768 Cost range
low Risk tier
5 Known conditions

Conditions ranked by cost impact

Each condition's expected cost = probability of occurrence × average treatment cost. Sorted by financial impact to help you plan.

Patellar Luxation

●●○○ moderate
$207 expected cost
Probability 18%
Age of onset 1–6 yrs
Treatment $0–$5,400
Treatment options
Surgical correction (Grade 3-4) $1,500–$4,000
Joint supplements $25–$60
Weight management $0–$30
Prevention
  • ✓ Maintain healthy weight
  • ✓ Avoid slippery floors
  • ✓ Controlled exercise

Covered by most plans as orthopedic condition. Subject to waiting period. Grade 1-2 may not require surgery.

Collapsed Trachea (Tracheal Collapse)

●●○○ moderate
$207 expected cost
Probability 10%
Age of onset 4–12 yrs
Treatment $27–$8,100
Treatment options
Cough suppressants and bronchodilators $30–$100
Intraluminal tracheal stent placement $3,000–$6,000
Weight management and harness use $20–$60
Prevention
  • ✓ Use harness instead of collar
  • ✓ Maintain healthy body weight
  • ✓ Avoid respiratory irritants and excessive heat

Medications and stent surgery are covered; chronic condition that benefits significantly from early insurance enrollment.

Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt)

●●●○ severe
$152 expected cost
Probability 6%
Age of onset 0–2 yrs
Treatment $27–$10,800
Treatment options
Ameroid constrictor placement surgery $3,000–$8,000
Hepatic diet and lactulose $50–$150
Antibiotics to reduce ammonia-producing bacteria $20–$60
Prevention
  • ✓ Genetic screening of breeding stock
  • ✓ Bile acid testing in puppies
  • ✓ Avoid breeding affected individuals

Surgery is covered under most plans if diagnosed after enrollment; condition often detected early in life.

Periodontal Disease

●○○○ mild
$118 expected cost
Probability 30%
Age of onset 1–10 yrs
Treatment $14–$1,080
Treatment options
Professional dental cleaning $300–$800
Tooth extraction (per tooth) $150–$600
Home dental care $10–$30
Prevention
  • ✓ Daily tooth brushing
  • ✓ Dental chews
  • ✓ Regular professional cleanings
  • ✓ Dental diets

Dental illness coverage varies significantly. Embrace includes dental. Most others exclude routine dental. Check policy specifics.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

●●●○ severe
$5 expected cost
Probability 5%
Age of onset 4–10 yrs
Treatment $27–$270
Treatment options
Antioxidant supplementation $20–$50
Environmental adaptation $50–$200
Prevention
  • ✓ DNA testing before breeding
  • ✓ Choose breeders who test for PRA

Covered as hereditary condition. Treatment costs are low since no cure exists, but diagnosis workup can be expensive.

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Frequently asked questions

What health problems do Malteses commonly have?

Malteses are predisposed to Patellar Luxation, Collapsed Trachea (Tracheal Collapse), Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt), Periodontal Disease. The breed has a low overall health risk tier with $689 in expected lifetime medical costs.

How much do Maltese vet bills cost?

Expected lifetime medical costs for a Maltese total approximately $689. This includes treatment for breed-specific conditions, with Patellar Luxation being the most likely expense.

Is a Maltese a healthy breed?

The Maltese has a low health risk rating. With 5 breed-specific predispositions, regular veterinary checkups and preventive care are important.

Should I get pet insurance for a Maltese?

Given the Maltese's low health risk tier and $689 in expected medical costs, pet insurance is optional but may provide peace of mind for unexpected emergencies.

See the full cost breakdown and insurance analysis:

Full Maltese report Insurance analysis