Each year, Veterinary Pet Insurance reviews their database of almost half a million pets for the most common medical conditions in our pets. Here is the “Top Ten List” for 2011.
Dogs Cats
1. Ear Infection 1. Bladder Infection
2. Skin Allergies 2. Chronic Kidney Disease
3. Skin Infection 3. Overactive Thyroid
4. Non-cancerous Skin Growth 4. Upset Stomach
5. Upset Stomach 5. Periodontitis/Dental Disease
6. Intestinal Upset/Diarrhea 6. Diabetes
7. Arthritis 7. Intestinal Upset/Diarrhea
8. Bladder Infection 8. Ear Infection
9. Bruise or Contusion 9. Skin Allergies
10. Underactive Thyroid 10. Lymphosarcoma (Cancer of Lymph Node)
Note that many of these conditions are chronic issues that can continue to cause issues for our pets. This is another good reason that you might want to consider pet health insurance. Many of these conditions might be covered and you can help keep your pet’s healthcare costs in line.
Another thing that I noted is that routine bloodwork and urinalyses might catch some of these issues at earlier, more treatable stages. For example, the top two cat conditions (bladder infection and chronic kidney issues) might be noted on a routine urinalysis or even by changes in the kidney values seen in bloodwork. Knowing this information can help you and your veterinarian make changes to your pet’s environment, lifestyle or even diet that might help resolve or minimize the effects of the problem.
Do you have any stories of how screening bloodwork found an issue with your pets?
Thankfully, my guys have never had any of these issues, but we do rush straight to our doc whenever we notice ANYTHING out of the ordinary.
One time, I was really worried about one of my females because she seemed painful in one of her front legs…I was so concerned about it being Wobblers. Thankfully, it wasn’t that terrible problem, but I am very glad we didn’t wait to do x-rays and an exam!