Many Common Conditions Linked to a Pet's Diet or Allergies BREA, Calif., June 17
BREA, Calif., June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- There's no way around it: sometimes
Fluffy gets stuffy and even cats can end up sick as a dog. Veterinary Pet
Insurance (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health
insurance, recently analyzed its medical claims received in 2007 to determine
the top 10 most commonly claimed conditions for dogs and cats. For both
canines and felines, the top 10 conditions accounted for about 25 percent of
all medical claims received last year.
Canine Feline
1. Ear Infections 1. Urinary Tract Infections
2. Skin Allergies 2. Gastritis/Vomiting
3. Pyoderma/Hot Spots 3. Chronic Renal Failure
4. Gastritis/Vomiting 4. Enteritis/Diarrhea
5. Enteritis/Diarrhea 5. Diabetes Mellitus
6. Urinary Tract Infections 6. Skin Allergies
7. Benign Skin Tumors 7. Colitis/Constipation
8. Eye Inflammation 8. Ear Infections
9. Osteoarthritis 9. Respiratory Infections
10. Hypothyroidism 10. Hyperthyroidism
"Some pet owners may be surprised by what's not on the list," said Dr.
Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI.
"Falling just short of the top 10 are the major injuries that often motivate
pet owners to purchase pet insurance -- broken bones, poisonings or trauma
from car accidents or animal attacks. While many people purchase pet insurance
with a primary concern for injuries and accidents, they are often relieved to
find that their policy is just as useful for the common conditions that are
the more likely reasons to bring a pet to the veterinarian."
Of the most common canine maladies, the only condition not on last year's
list, hypothyroidism, rose from No. 11 in 2006 to No. 10 in 2007, bumping
sprains to No. 13. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not
produce enough thyroid hormone, which is responsible for regulating the
metabolism. Dogs with hypothyroidism may appear lethargic and gain weight
despite a strict diet and exercise.
The most dramatic change on either list was the rise of feline enteritis
from No. 16 in 2006 to No. 4 in 2007. Feline enteritis, which is characterized
by dark, watery diarrhea, can be triggered by anything from stress, a change
in diet, infection, or intestinal blockage.
Nearly a third of all the common conditions could be related to or
exacerbated by diet, diet changes, or dietary indiscretions. These
gastrointestinal problems typically result in vomiting or diarrhea. The most
effective way to reduce common dietary conditions is to ask your veterinarian
to recommend a quality pet food tailored to your pet's dietary needs and to
feed that food consistently.
"Gastrointestinal claims are common each year we publish our top 10 list,
but our 2007 numbers indicate that pet owners took their pets'
gastrointestinal and dietary difficulties more seriously this past year,
perhaps due to the pet food recall," said McConnell.
Allergies were another influencing factor for several of VPI's top
conditions in 2007. Pet allergies usually manifest in continual itching or
chewing of the skin, especially the skin around paws, ears and eyes. The top
three conditions for dogs each involve inflammation or infection of the skin,
commonly resulting from an allergic condition.
Some of the top 10 conditions can be associated with age-related changes
in a pet, such as osteoarthritis and renal failure. However, most of the top
10 conditions can occur at any age to any pet -- purebred or mixed, those kept
inside or outside. No matter what age or breed of pet, pet owners should
familiarize themselves with their pets' daily routine in order to identify
abnormal behaviors that might indicate an illness. In addition, regular
semiannual physical exams can help prevent and identify certain conditions
before they become chronic and costly.
If left untreated, any of the top 10 conditions could result in serious
health problems and cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to treat. In
2007, the most expensive of the common canine conditions was benign skin
tumors, with an average submitted claim fee of $327. For cats, the most
expensive common condition was renal failure, with an average submitted claim
fee of $279.
"The cost to treat pet illnesses may catch some pet owners off guard,
especially if additional testing or ongoing medication is required," said
McConnell. "It is important for pet owners to plan for their pet's unexpected
health care expenses just as they do for pet food or grooming expenses. A VPI
Pet Insurance policy provides an easy, affordable way to help take the sting
out of pet health care expenses."
About Veterinary Pet Insurance
Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the nation's oldest
and largest pet health insurance company. Providing pet owners with peace of
mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of
America's pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet
Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical
problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries.
Optional Pet WellCare Protection(SM) for routine care is also available.
Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
More than 1,600 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as a voluntary
employee benefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance
Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an
A+15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information about VPI Pet
Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit
http://www.petinsurance.com.
SOURCE Veterinary Pet Insurance
