Pets: Most common medical conditions that prompt veterinary visits

Nationwide members spent $119 million to treat the top 10 medical conditions affecting dogs and cats

News provided by

Mar 20, 2019, 09:02 ET

BREA, Calif., March 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Pets require 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 $119 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 725,000 insured pets to determine the top medical conditions that prompted veterinary visits. Below are the results:

Dogs	Cats
1. Skin Allergies	1. Bladder/Urinary Tract Disease
2. Ear Infection	2. Dental Disease
3. Non-cancerous Skin Mass	3. Chronic Kidney Disease
4. Diarrhea/Intestinal Upset	4. Vomiting/Upset Stomach
5. Skin Infection	5. Diarrhea/Intestinal Upset
6. Vomiting/Upset Stomach	6. Excessive Thyroid Hormone
7. Arthritis	7. Upper Respiratory Infection
8. Dental Disease	8. Skin Allergies
9. Anal Gland Inflammation	9. Diabetes
10. Bladder Urinary Tract Disease	10. Heart Valve Malfunction

Skin allergies were the most common health issue among Nationwide-insured dogs with more than 180,000 individual claims at an average cost of $279 per dog. Bladder/urinary tract disease accounted for the most common medical condition among Nationwide-insured cats with 8,700 claims received at an average cost of $515 per cat.

Dental disease accounted for the costliest canine medical condition on the list with an average expense to treat of nearly $450 per dog. The most expensive feline medical condition on the list was diabetes, which carries a significantly higher cost of $871 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. "Early detection can be key. The majority of medical conditions on the top 10 list can be successfully managed if treated promptly by a veterinarian."

About Nationwide pet insurance
With more than 725,000 insured pets, Nationwide is the first and largest provider of pet health insurance in the United States. Nationwide pet health insurance 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. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2017); National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2017). Agency of Record: DVM Insurance Agency. 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 United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poors. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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

SOURCE Nationwide