VPI said it receives more than a million claims annually for treatment of cats and dogs. Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI, said that despite a pet owner’s best efforts to keep their animals healthy, data shows that pets are still at risk for ailments that may require repeated trips to a veterinarian’s office.
For cats, VPI said it received 3,700 medical claims for lower urinary tract disease. The condition cost cat owners an average of $260 per office visit. The company received nearly 68,000 canine claims for ear infections in 2009, with an average claim fee of $100 per office visit.
The top 10 most common conditions for cats were:
1. Lower urinary tract disease
2. Gastritis/vomiting
3. Chronic renal failure
4. Hyperthyroidism
5. Diabetes
6. Enteritis/diarrhea
7. Skin allergy
8. Periodontitis/dental disease
9. Ear infection
10. Eye infection
For dogs, the 10 most common conditions were:
1. Ear infection
2. Skin allergy
3. Skin infection/hot spots
4. Gastritis/vomiting
5. Enteritis/diarrhea
6. Bladder infection
7. Arthritis
8. Soft tissue trauma
9. Non-cancerous tumor
10. Eye infection
The most expensive canine condition on the list (non-cancerous tumor) cost an average of $335 per visit, while for cats, the most expensive condition (periodontitis/dental disease) cost an average of $360 per visit.
Regular physical exams can help prevent and identify certain conditions before they become serious or costly, VPI said.