Maltese

Maltese Health Problems & Vet Costs

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

$500 Expected medical
$0–$3,000 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
$200 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
$200 expected cost
Probability 10%
Age of onset 4–12 yrs
Treatment $50–$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
$150 expected cost
Probability 6%
Age of onset 0–2 yrs
Treatment $50–$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
$100 expected cost
Probability 30%
Age of onset 1–10 yrs
Treatment $0–$1,100
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
$0 expected cost
Probability 5%
Age of onset 4–10 yrs
Treatment $50–$250
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 $500 in expected lifetime medical costs.

How much do Maltese vet bills cost?

Expected lifetime medical costs for a Maltese total approximately $500. 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 $500 in expected medical costs, pet insurance is optional but may provide peace of mind for unexpected emergencies.

Sources

Figures on this page are modeled estimates calibrated to published benchmarks (accessed 2026-07-21). Breed characteristics follow AKC breed standards. Full formula and inputs: our methodology.

See the full cost breakdown and insurance analysis:

Full Maltese report Insurance analysis