Common pet insurance claims

We take a look at the most common reasons for pet insurance claims.

Good health is a gift and this applies to pets as well as humans. When your dog wags its tail or cat purrs peacefully, these are good signs that it's healthy.

When your pet is ill it can be comforting to know that you're not the only owner who has had to deal with ailments. We took a look at the most common pet insurance claims received by Allianz Insurance UK between January 2011 and February 2012.

Lameness

The majority of minor lameness seen in younger pets usually resolves itself within a week or so and these ailments often get better without vet treatment. Such lameness is typically caused by strains, bruises and minor injuries as well as by thorns, splinters and broken toenails.

Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

This is a condition more common to older cats and dogs. The disease, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), involves pain in the joint areas, as well as the long-term deterioration of the cartilage surrounding the joints. Arthritis refers to the inflammation of the joints, whereas Osteoarthritis typically refers to the chronic joint inflammation that leads to long-term pain.

Atopy

With the potential to cause skin, respiratory or gastrointestinal disease, Atopy is the animal equivalent of hay fever. Clinical signs in dogs usually develop between one and three years of age, and are rare beyond the age of seven. The condition may develop in cats of any age. Disease may be seasonal – for example occurring in the summer months when pollen counts are high. It might also be present all year round for animals allergic to house dust mites or food. Seasonally, some allergic pets display symptoms throughout the year; Atopic dogs often suffer from secondary bacterial and yeast skin infections.

Diabetes Mellitus

Like humans, cats and dogs can also develop diabetes. This means they're unable to produce enough insulin or their bodies do not allow them to use insulin properly. The symptoms are also similar to those of humans and can include:

• Bad breath with a chemical smell
• Reduced appetite
• Increased thirst and urination
• Breakdown of body fat and development of ketacidosis
• Weight loss, often despite an increased appetite

Pets are priceless and even if your pet is generally fit and healthy it can be vital to keep them in tip top shape and consider pet insurance to help cover any vets' bills. 

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