Pets: Most common medical conditions that prompt veterinary visits

BREA, Calif., March 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Pets require routine medical attention just like their human counterparts, and while common issues such as ear infections and skin allergies are rarely life-threatening, they can be unexpected and expensive. Last year, Nationwide members spent more than $96 million to treat the 10 most common medical conditions affecting dogs and cats. The nation's first and largest provider of pet health insurance analyzed its database of more than 650,000 insured pets to determine the top medical conditions that prompted veterinary visits. Below are the results:

Skin allergies were the most common health issue among Nationwide insured canines with more than 140,000 individual claims at an average cost of $255 per dog. Bladder/urinary tract disease accounted for the most common medical condition among Nationwide insured felines with more than 5,800 claims received at an average cost of $495 per cat.

Dental disease accounted for the costliest canine medical condition on the list with an average expense to treat of $400 per dog. The most expensive feline medical condition on the list was diabetes, which carries a significantly higher cost of $889 per cat. 

"Pet owners are encouraged to schedule regular medical checkups as recommended by their veterinarians to prevent many common, yet problematic medical conditions," said Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA, vice president and chief veterinary officer for Nationwide. "The majority of medical conditions on the top 10 list can be successfully managed if treated promptly by a veterinarian. Early detection can prevent many of these issues from becoming severe."

About Nationwide pet insurance
With more than 650,000 insured pets, pet insurance from Nationwide is the first and largest pet health insurance provider in the United States. Since 1982, Nationwide has helped provide pet owners with peace of mind and is committed to being the trusted choice of America's pet lovers.

Nationwide plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Insurance plans are offered and administered by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and DVM Insurance Agency in all other states. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Brea, CA, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2016); National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2016). Pet owners can find Nationwide pet insurance on Facebook or follow on Twitter. For more information about Nationwide pet insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, commercial, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; banking and mortgages; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, travel, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. ©2018 Nationwide.

CONTACT:
Adam Fell
(714) 706-5520
[email protected]

SOURCE Nationwide

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