Top pet medical claims. What makes your pet sick?

February 17, 5:06 PMDC Dogs ExaminerMichelle Critchell

Previous Next

8 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the DC Dogs Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

         Photo courtesy: L. M. Powell.

The top 10 conditions accounted for nearly 340,000, or close to 25 percent, of all canine and feline medical claims received in 2008.

Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, recently analyzed medical claims received in 2008 to find the year's most common pet maladies. The results indicate that pets visit the veterinarian for many of the same reasons humans visit the doctor, with ear infections the No. 1 condition for dogs and lower urinary tract disease No. 1 for cats. 

Top Canine Claims:

1. Ear Infections   2. Skin Allergies  3. Pyoderma/Hot Spots  4. Gastritis/Vomiting 5. Enteritis/Diarrhea 6. Urinary Tract Infections  7. Benign Skin Tumors  8.Osteoarthritis  9. Eye Inflammation 10. Hypothyroidism

Top Feline Claims:

1. Lower Urinary Tract Disease 2. Gastritis/Stomach Upsets  3. Chronic Renal Failure  4. Enteritis/Diarrhea  5. Diabetes Mellitus  6. Skin Allergies 7.Hyperthyroidism  8. Ear Infections  9. Upper Respiratory Virus 10. Eye Inflammation

"The large number of claims received for these medical conditions attests to their often repetitive or chronic nature," said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI.

Any lumps, sores, unusual odors, or drastic changes in behavior suggest that a pet should be examined by a veterinarian. Semiannual physical exams can help diagnose problems early or in some cases prevent many illnesses.

"A dog with allergies, for example, will most likely require continuing care and a cat with diabetes will be no stranger to the veterinarian's office," stated McConnell.

DC Dogs answers the question, "Does your pet need health insurance?"

Symptoms of Canine Ear Infection:

You dog shakes his head trying to get the debris and fluid out, and scratches his ears. The ears often become red and inflamed and develop an offensive odor. A black or yellowish discharge commonly occurs.

Pet Insurance Companies.  Get Free Quotes:

ASPCA Pet Insurance

Pet Care Insurance 

Pets Best Insurance

Shelter Care Pet Insurance

Veterinary Pet Insurance

KEEP LEARNING: Subscribe to DC Dogs Examiner: It's Free. Never Spam. Will not rent your name.

                                            Click "Subscribe" below.