Introduction
Pet owners take pride in their pets and want to do everything possible to keep them healthy. Regardless of the size of your family, it is likely that you have at least one pet. Maybe you have a cat, dog, hamster, or fish. You want to give your pets the best possible care.
But there is a cost to keeping your pets healthy, and not all pet owners can afford to pay for it. This is where the need for pet insurance comes in. It can help you pay for treating your pets if they get sick or injured. However, not all pet owners have insurance. So, many feel the pinch of medical costs when their pets require treatment.
Are you still undecided on whether pet insurance is right for you? If so, the following pet treatment procedure costs might help you decide:
Degenerating Invertebrate Disease (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
Degenerating invertebrate disease affects the spinal cord and discs in your pet’s back. It can cause pain, paralysis, and even death. Some pets will show symptoms like paralysis, while others will be in pain. If your pet has degenerating invertebrate disease, you must treat it as soon as possible. If not, your furry friend could die from this condition.
The treatment for degenerating invertebrate disease is surgery. It’s used to remove the damaged disc and replace it with an artificial disc. The surgery costs around $5,000–$10,000. This depends on where you live and the type of artificial disc used in the procedure.
However, other costs come along with this surgery that can add up quickly:
- Surgery prep: This includes getting all necessary tests done before surgery. It helps the doctor know what kind of artificial disc they need during surgery. They also need to know what size will fit the pet’s body best. This can cost anywhere from $200-$500, depending on what tests need to be done and how often your pet requires them.
- Diet: You may change your pet’s diet. This ensures they eat high-quality food to help their body recover after surgery. The average cost is around $50-$200 per month, depending on how much they eat and if you choose a canned or dry food option.
Laryngeal Paralysis
Laryngeal paralysis is a common disease affecting the pet’s ability to breathe. The normal function of the larynx is to close off the airway, so that food and water do not get into the lungs. When this does not happen, your pet will have trouble breathing. It may collapse while trying to get enough air into its lungs.
The cause of laryngeal paralysis is unknown. But it is thought to be caused by trauma or some injury. This can affect the nerves responsible for closing off the airway.
Many treatments are available for this condition, including surgery and medication. Surgery costs up to $3,000, depending on where you take your pet for treatment.
Bile Duct Rupture
Bile duct rupture is a severe condition that can be fatal if not treated quickly. The bile duct is the tube that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine. A ruptured bile duct can cause inflammation in the pancreas. This may lead to pancreatitis or inflammation of the liver. This can block blood flow to other organs, such as the kidneys, intestines, and spleen.
Treatment for a ruptured bile duct involves surgery. The procedure repairs or removes damaged tissue. The surgery cost depends on where the damage occurred and how much damage was done. On average, the treatment costs between $3,000 and $6,000.
If your cat or dog suffers from this condition, you could be looking at a hefty bill without a pet insurance policy. The good news is that pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment and pay for your pet’s medications.
Foreign Objects in Intestinal Tract/Stomach
This is a common but dangerous condition for dogs and cats. It occurs when a foreign object gets lodged in one of the digestive tract’s parts and blocks it, causing a blockage. This blockage can result in digestive problems, dehydration, and even death.
There are some risk factors for having foreign objects in your pet’s intestinal tract. This includes swallowing something inappropriate, like string or small toys. It can also be from eating large amounts of food too quickly. Dogs are at higher risk than cats because they are more likely to eat strange objects.
Call your veterinarian if your pet swallowed something unusual or has an obstruction. Your pet may need diagnostic tests and emergency surgery. This removes the object and prevents further damage to its internal organs. The cost range is usually about $5,000.
Ligament Damage In the Knee
A torn ligament in your pet’s knee is one of the most common injuries, especially in large dogs. Ligaments are tissues that connect bones and provide stability. They can’t do their job when they’re overstretched or torn. This leads to instability, which may cause arthritis if left untreated.
Surgery is typically needed to repair torn ligaments in the knee. Surgery might involve removing damaged tissue or adding artificial ligaments. This depends on where the tear is located.
The procedure will take about an hour and cost between $5,000 and $8,000. It depends on where you live and how much experience your veterinarian has. Therefore, you need a suitable pet insurance plan in place. If not, the surgery could be a substantial financial burden for you.
How to Choose the Right Pet Insurance Company
We’ve highlighted five expensive pet treatment procedures. So, you now understand the need for pet insurance. But how do you choose the right pet insurance company? Here are some tips:
Research a Provider’s Credibility
It would be best to consider the company’s credibility when looking for a pet insurance provider. Do they have an excellent reputation? How long have they been in business? Have they ever had any complaints filed against them? A quick Google search can help you find out more about potential providers.
Consider How Much Coverage You Want
When looking for pet insurance, you must consider how much coverage you want. Some plans only cover accidents and illnesses. Others offer full-coverage policies that cover everything from routine care to major procedures. Suppose your pet needs ongoing medical treatment. Then it may be worth looking at full-coverage plans.
Read the Fine Print
When looking for pet insurance, it’s essential to read the fine print. Some plans have limitations on how much they will pay out. So, it pays to know what your policy covers and what exclusions are in place. For example, some providers won’t cover illnesses resulting from a pre-existing medical condition.
Ask Your Veterinarian for Advice
Your veterinarian is an excellent resource for pet insurance. They can provide information on which plans cover what. They also have recommendations for providers offering good policies at reasonable rates. This way, you will only have to do some legwork.
Conclusion
The above pet treatment procedures should convince you that pet insurance is splendid. It eases some financial stress associated with treating your furry friend when they need it. If you own a cat or dog, consider getting pet insurance today.