Nation’s Largest Pet Insurer Reveals Most Common Causes of Veterinary Visits
Just like their human counterparts, when pets are afflicted with even seemingly minor ailments such as an ear infection, stomach ache or cough, it can prompt a visit to the doctor. While the majority of these conditions are rarely life threatening, they can become chronic and expensive to treat. Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI) policyholders spent more than $58 million in 2012 treating the 10 most common medical conditions affecting their pets. VPI, the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, recently sorted its database of more than 485,000 insured pets to determine the top 10 dog and cat medical conditions in 2012. Ear infections traditionally topped the list for dogs, but for the first time in the last five years, skin allergies now lead the way. Below are the results:
Dogs
1. Skin Allergies
2. Ear Infection
3. Skin Infection
4. Non-cancerous Skin Growth
5. Upset Stomach/Vomiting
6. Arthritis
7. Intestinal Upset/Diarrhea
8. Bladder Infection
9. Periodontitis/Dental Disease
10. Bruise or Contusion
Cats
1. Bladder Infection
2. Periodontitis/Dental Disease
3. Overactive Thyroid
4. Chronic Kidney Disease
5. Upset Stomach/Vomiting
6. Diabetes
7. Intestinal Upset/Diarrhea
8. Skin Allergies
9. Lymphosarcoma (Cancer of Lymph Node)
10. Upper Respiratory Infection
“Although a few of the top 10 dog and cat conditions can be associated with an animal’s natural aging process, many of the conditions listed above can occur in any pet,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. “Regardless of the age or breed of the dog or cat, pet owners should familiarize themselves with their pets’ daily routine in order to identify abnormal behaviors that might indicate an injury or illness.”
In 2012, VPI received more than 68,000 canine claims for skin allergies, the most common cause for taking a dog to see a veterinarian. The average claim fee was $96 per office visit. For cats, a bladder infection was the most common reason to take your kitty to the veterinarian. VPI received more than 4,000 medical claims for this ailment – with an average claim amount of $251 per office visit.
The most expensive canine condition on the list (arthritis) cost an average of $258 per visit, while, for cats, the most expensive condition (lymphosarcoma) cost an average of $415 per visit. In addition to familiarizing themselves with their pets’ routine and behavior, pet owners should schedule their pets’ semiannual veterinary examinations on a regular basis to help prevent and identify certain conditions before they become serious or costly.
Pet owners can find more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.
If your dog is suffering from the itchies from Spring allergies, you might consider that with Spring Flowers also comes Spring / Summer Pollens…
As well as, Achoo for Us Humans and Itchy / Paw Chewing, Gunky Ears for our DOGs
Many Pet Parents with Itchy DOGs are not aware that their Canine Friend Suffers from the Same Enviro Allergy TroubleMakers as You Do !
85% of our Allergy DOGs have Enviro Allergies.
Cici and I have found out the best remedy for doggie allergies is Doggy Goo and it tastes good, too, so it is easy to give to the dog. She thinks it is a wonderful treat. We have tried baths, change of diets and slathering her with creams and spraying her with other stuff, too… but Doggy Goo works from the inside out…
More info:
Do you / Your Dog Live in the TOP Allergy Cities in the USA ?
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has once again compiled a list of the most challenging places to live for people with allergies.
Despite the persisting cooler temps, the AAFA predicts a longer, strong spring allergy season, partially due to more extreme weather conditions.
Here are the TOP 10 ALLERGY Cities in the USA
1 Jackson, MS
2 Knoxville, TN
3 Chattanooga, TN
4 McAllen, TX
5 Louisville, KY
6 Wichita, KS
7 Dayton, OH
8 Memphis, TN
9 Oklahoma City, OK
10 Baton Rouge, LA
To find Your City, visit the below Link…
http://allergycapitals.com/downloads/AAFA_Dymista_Spring_Allergy_Capitals.pdf
For more info about Doggy Goo (CICI LOVES licking this peanut buttery best tasting dog medicine that seems like a treat), http://www.healthygoo.com/