Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance in the U.S., has announced the top 10 medical conditions of dogs and cats in 2009, based on claims the company received last year.
These were the top 10 medical conditions reported for dogs:
2. Skin allergy
7. Arthritis
10. Eye infection
“What we hear from many pet owners is that nothing happens to their pet because the pet is with them daily and receives the right food and plenty of exercise, etc.,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. “Those things certainly go a long way in making for a healthy, happy animal. Despite a pet owner’s best efforts, however, VPI’s data shows that pets are still at risk for ailments that may require repeated trips to a veterinarian‘s office.”
VPI received nearly 68,000 claims for ear infections, the No. 1 ailment in 2009, with an average claim fee of $100 per visit to the vet. The most expensive condition on the list – non-cancerous tumor – cost an average of $335 per vet visit.
While a few of the top 10 conditions can be associated with a dog’s natural aging process, many of them can occur no matter the age or breed. VPI recommends that pet owners familiarize themselves with their dog’s daily routine in order to identify abnormal behaviors that might indicate an injury or illness. In addition, regular, semiannual physical exams can help prevent and identify certain conditions before they become serious or costly.
Vitamins and supplements have also been proven to help promote your dog’s health. “Nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals such as those found in i Love Dogs products have been shown to have a physiological benefit towards the well-being of healthy animals and to complement the immune system of those suffering from chronic disease,” said Veterinarian Mike Zareski.
PHOTO: dog-obedience-training-review.com
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