Can Pet Insurance Help Fight Pet Cancer?

Is pet insurance worth it?

This is a very common question from pet owners, and there is no “right” answer. It really is a family decision. But consider another question that may help you get to that answer:

If your pet experienced a medical emergency tomorrow,

do you have the financial means to treat them?

As a veterinary cancer care provider, we often see uninsured pet owners struggling with this very question. It is not uncommon for pet owners with the desire to treat their pet’s cancer forced to make medical decisions based not on what is best for their pet – but on what they can or can’t afford. In the most tragic of situations, euthanasia may be the only financially viable option. This can be a truly heartbreaking decision for any family.

Cancer is the number one cause of death in older dogs and cats. The sad reality is that there is a 50/50 chance that your beloved dog or cat may develop cancer.

In many cases, however, cancer does not have to be a death sentence. Cancer care for pets is evolving with new medical advancements presented every year. New treatments such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) are opening doors to treat cancers that were previously untreatable. Therefore, just like in human medicine, there is a need to prepare financially for your pet’s veterinary care. With pet insurance on your side, you will be able to focus your decision on what’s best for your pet without carrying the burden of finances on your shoulders. Pet insurance can provide the freedom of not having to choose between your pet and your wallet.

Is pet insurance worth it? If your pets are cherished members of the family, you want to be able to provide the best care for them, and you don’t have the financial means to cover treatment – then yes, pet insurance is absolutely worth it.

How much does cancer care for pets cost?

Similar to human health care, the veterinary profession has doctors that have chosen to undergo additional education and training to be board-certified specialists in a specific field of medicine. Veterinary oncologists, who are specialists in diagnosing, staging, and treating cancer in pets, provide veterinary cancer care. Veterinary radiation oncologists specialize in the use of radiation therapy to treat cancerous tumors.

Specialty care requires board-certified specialists and advanced equipment to perform the latest procedures. And as medicine continues to advance, pets are receiving better care and living longer. However, with a higher level of care comes at higher costs—making it all the more important for pet owners to carry insurance for their pets.

The costs of treating pet cancer vary depending on each individual patient’s treatment plan. Some patients may only need SRS to treat a cancerous tumor. Other patients might need a combination of treatment options like surgery and ongoing chemotherapy. As such, costs vary widely but can easily add up to $10,000 or more.

Does pet insurance cover cancer care?

• As long as your pet is covered by pet insurance before a cancer diagnosis is made, most pet insurance will cover cancer care. If your pet has already been diagnosed, the cancer is considered a pre-existing condition. No pet insurance covers pre-existing conditions. Therefore, the earlier you can ensure your pets – before they develop an illness or condition – the better.

• Most major pet insurance providers offer a variety of coverage plans. Cancer is often included in a specific plan or can be added as a rider. Most carriers cover even the most advanced treatments, subject to their individual exclusions for things like pre-existing conditions. Contact the insurance provider to ask which plans include cancer care. Make sure to check whether they cover diagnostics and testing and get a list of which cancer treatment options are covered.

Which pet insurance is right for my pet?

• This will depend on the amount of coverage you want. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you want your pet insurance to include wellness care?

• Do you want coverage for integrative medicine like acupuncture or rehabilitation?

• Does the provider offer a multiple pet discount?

• Does the pet insurance company cover older pets?

• Does the plan cover diagnostic testing needed to diagnose cancer?

• Does your pet have a hereditary or congenital condition that must be covered?

• Is your pet prone to a specific condition or illness?

(E.g. Golden retrievers are genetically prone to developing cancer. German shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia. Chihuahuas are prone to patellar luxation. As we know, just because a breed is prone to a certain condition does not mean it’s exclusive to the breed. Cancer can and does affect all breeds.)

Finding the right pet insurance plan for your pet is not as difficult as it may seem, but it does require some comparison shopping. Most insurance providers are available to speak on the phone to guide you to a coverage plan that is right for your pet.

As a starting point, contact your primary care veterinarian to get more information about your pet’s health, breed (for genetic conditions) and current conditions. Your veterinarian may be able to give you more information about your pet that can help you ask the insurance providers the right questions.

My pet has cancer, but I don’t have pet insurance. What can I do?

Here are some resources you can look into.

Crowdfunding

Use crowdfunding to ask friends and family for their support. Crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe are a great way to share your story, provide updates, and collect financial support. Ask your veterinarian whether you can include his or her information so people can verify that your situation is real.

Host a Fundraising Event

Plan a fundraising event. A fun way is to plan a party at your home or a nearby park. Invite friends and family and have multiple ways people can donate. Love baking? Bake small desserts people can purchase. Are you a talented Martha Stewart type? Create some crafts that people can purchase.

Look for an Organization

There are organizations and programs that provide financial aid to pet owners struggling to pay their veterinarian bills. Some organizations focus on specific breeds or pet conditions. Ask your veterinarian or your state veterinary medical association whether it can point you to an organization that might be able to help.

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Diabetes in Dogs: Symptoms & Treatment

DID YOU KNOW: It is estimated that anywhere from 1 in 500 to 1 in 100 dogs will develop diabetes in their life-time and that number is only rising with each year.

High blood sugar, which is the result of diabetes, can impact the body’s ability to function normally, leading to an increased risk of problems such as heart disease and stroke in dogs.

Here’s what you need to know about the two types of canine diabetes, symptoms, possible causes, treatment options and what you can do to prevent this disease.

Types of Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes is an endocrine disorder. Type 1 diabetes affects the body’s ability to create enough insulin to appropriately regulate blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes affects the body’s ability to respond to normal levels of insulin.

Although there are two types of diabetes in dogs, they don’t line up exactly with what we know about Diabetes in people.

Type 1 diabetes, or insulin-deficiency diabetes, is the most common type of diabetes in dogs. It occurs when the cells in the pancreas that create insulin are destroyed.

Type 2 diabetes, or insulin-resistance diabetes, develops when other hormones in the body prevent insulin from operating correctly. These problematic hormones can be produced by excess body fat, which is why overweight individuals are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

A hormone called progesterone (which is produced during pregnancy and after a heat cycle) may also go up during a false pregnancy or as a result of a uterine infection called pyometra.

Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

Most common signs of diabetes in dogs are:

• Drinking excessively (much more than usual)

• Urinating excessively (much more than usual)

• Having a ravenous appetite

• Losing weight rapidly or suddenly

Less obvious symptoms of diabetes include:

• Recurrent infections

• Weakness

• Poor coat quality

• Cataracts

• Seizures

In the early stages of diabetes, symptoms may not be too severe, but once a patient is a full-blown diabetic, they aren’t very subtle.

Dogs That Are Predisposed to Diabetes

Although all dogs can develop diabetes, there are a select few breeds that are most likely to develop diabetes over the course of their lives:

• Samoyed

• Miniature Poodle

• Toy Poodle

• Pug

• Tibetan Terrier

• Cairn Terrier

• Yorkshire Terrier

• Fox Terrier

• Bichon Frisé

• Dachshund

• Siberian Husky

Another major factor is age.

Dogs most commonly develop diabetes at an age of five years or greater. In rare cases, a dog may be born diabetic.

Treating and Managing Your Dog’s Diabetes

Can a dog with diabetes be cured? It’s possible but unlikely.

Once a dog has diabetes, it's typically a permanent diagnosis. However, cases of insulin resistance caused by pregnancy or diestrus (part of the heat cycle) can sometimes disappear if the dog is spayed very early after diagnosis. However, even in these instances, there’s a risk for a recurrence later in life.

Even so, diabetes does not have to impact your dog’s quality of life. Dogs with diabetes don’t know they are sick, and when treated properly, they do not feel sick. In fact, they can still do all the things they love (except overeat).

Diabetes Management

Insulin injections are a necessary part of diabetes treatment. Once diagnosed, injections should be done twice daily, but finding an appropriate dosage can be both trial/error, and time-consuming.

Your veterinarian will perform blood glucose curves, which involves taking a blood sugar sample every couple of hours, starting as soon as possible after the morning dose of insulin and finishing as close to the evening dose as possible.

These curves may need to be done every one to two weeks for several months to find the best possible dosage for your dog.

In addition to twice-daily insulin injections, it is also very important that your dog’s diet, exercise, and stress levels stay as consistent as possible. Significant changes to any of these parameters can dramatically affect the amount of insulin that your dog needs.

Your veterinarian will come up with a detailed plan regarding the timing and dose of insulin as well as how to handle any potential problems that might develop. For instance, vets commonly recommend that insulin injections be given right after meals so that the dose can be lowered if the dog eats less than normal.

Cost of Treatment

Because of the daily injections and lengthy process to find the right dosage, dealing with canine diabetes can be frustrating and expensive. This disease requires a pet parent to have a lot of patience.

That said, it is treatable, and your dog can live for years with a high quality of life.

The cost of dog diabetes is highest in the initial stage of treatment but can be a significant financial burden. Depending on the type of insulin and dose, your dog’s diabetes medicine can vary from the cost of $40-$200 per month.

How to Prevent Canine Diabetes

Preventing diabetes in dogs is not easy.

For many dogs, diabetes is in their genes, but spaying your female dog is one easy way to prevent insulin-resistant diabetes caused by diestrus or pregnancy.

Obesity is often linked with diabetes. However, it is not entirely confirmed in canines. That said, obesity is believed to contribute to insulin resistance (among other problems), so preventing it may lead to more effective treatment.

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is known to be a risk factor for canine diabetes. Pancreatitis can be genetic but can also be a result of feeding fatty foods such as pork and other meat products.

Feed your dog a healthy, balanced dog food and restrict extras to fruits and vegetables.

Regular exercise and avoiding overfeeding are the keys to maintaining a lean body weight. Not sure what or how much to feed your dog? Your veterinarian can help you come up with a dietary plan to prevent obesity customized to your dog's best interest.

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Tests for Screening Cancer in Pets

Routine lab work is a fundamental part of staging a pet’s cancer. When your veterinarian orders routine tests, they are ensuring that your pet is systemically health and that there are no surprises and any warning signs are flagged in regards to trouble such as organ function or electrolyte status.

However, such tests rarely provide insight into a pet’s cancer status. With a few exceptions (skyrocketing white blood cell count pointing to leukemia, for example) lab work will not accurately inform your veterinarian whether or not your pet has cancer.

A veterinarian may run what are considered “screening tests”. This is when your vet will perform a test in a healthy patient to rule in/out a predisposition to cancer or hidden cancer that has not yet manifested with any clinically notable signs. These tests are designed to quantitate the presence of biomarkers. Biomarkers are measurable indicators of particular biological states or conditions and can be used to detect, screen, diagnose, treat, and monitor disease.

When a veterinarian considers screening tests for cancers, most frequently, assays measure serum levels of thymidine kinase (TK) and c-reactive protein (CRP). The utility of these markers is not well established but emphasis is often placed on their ability to detect what we refer to in the medical profession as minimal residual disease (MRD).

Thymidine Kinase (TK)

TK is a protein involved in DNA synthesis and is expressed in dividing cells. TK levels increase with increased rate of cellular proliferation. TK levels correlate to the proliferative activity of lymphoid cells (and less likely with proliferation of other kinds of tumor cells). Elevated TK levels are also associated with viral infections and inflammatory conditions.

Serum TK levels tend to be higher in dogs with cancer than in healthy dogs. However, there is a large overlap in levels measured from healthy dogs, dogs with cancer, and dogs with other diseases. This means that even dogs previously diagnosed with cancer can have normal serum TK levels.

TK levels are also measured in cats, with an established interval from clinically healthy cats, cats diagnosed with lymphoma, and cats with inflammatory gastrointestinal disease. Cats with lymphoma in these studies had significantly higher serum thymidine kinase activity than healthy cats or cats with inflammatory disease and cat’s with non-hematopoietic neoplasia.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

CRP is the major acute phase protein produced in response to inflammation and cytokine release. Serum CRP levels correlate to the duration and severity of inflammatory response. Causes of inflammation are varied, and include infection, autoimmune disease, and cancer. Therefore, CRP is considered a sensitive marker for inflammation, but unfortunately, it is relatively non-specific as to the nature of the inflammation it represents.

Dogs present more elevated CPR in some variants of cancer, and serum levels are generally elevated in dogs with cancer than those that are clinically healthy. Dogs with lymphoma who are in remission (with microscopically detectable cancer cells in their bodies) generally have lower CRP than dogs with measurable lymphoma. This places potential value on serum CRP levels as a marker for cancer remission status and relapse of disease.

Additional research is necessary to determine the value of measuring parameters such as CRP or TK before veterinarians can routinely recommend these screening tests for every patient.

It is advisable by veterinarians that owners should begin testing their pets at the earliest possible age and test consistently throughout their pet’s lives, in order to establish the most adequate control values with which to compare to as the pet ages.

It is understandable for pet owners to wish this process would be simplified by a single lab test to assure their pets were healthy. However, it is important that diseases such as cancer is detected as early as possible.

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10 Warning Signs of Cancer in Cats and Dogs

If cancer is detected early it can be treated more effectively, so it’s important to check your dogs & cats regularly for these 10 warning signs of cancer as recommended by the Veterinary Cancer Society.

If your dog or cat has any of these early warning signs of cancer, you should take them to your veterinarian as soon as possible for a more thorough and complete examination. In addition, you should keep your pet away from environmental toxins such as lawn fertilizers and surface & rug cleaners that have warning labels relative to children and pets, due to a potential link between environmental toxins and cancer.

01 / Swollen lymph nodes

The lymph nodes are glands that are located throughout the body. They are most easily detected behind the jaw or behind the knee. When these lymph nodes are enlarged, it can suggest a common form of cancer called lymphoma. A biopsy or cytology of the enlarged lymph nodes can aid in the diagnosis.

02 / Enlarging (or changing) lump

Any lump on a pet that is rapidly growing or changing in texture or shape should have a biopsy.

03 / Abdominal distension

When the stomach becomes rapidly enlarged, this may suggest a mass or tumor in the abdomen, or it may indicate some bleeding that is occurring in this area. A radiograph or an ultrasound of the abdomen can aid in diagnosing.

04 / Chronic weight loss

When a pet is losing weight and you have not put your pet on a diet, you should have your pet checked. This sign is not a definitive diagnostic for cancer but can indicate that something is wrong.

05 / Chronic vomiting or diarrhea

Vomiting or diarrhea should always prompt further investigation. Often tumors of the gastrointestinal tract can cause chronic vomiting and/or diarrhea. Radiographs, ultrasound examinations, and endoscopy are useful diagnostic tools when these symptoms present themselves.

06 / Oral Odor

Oral tumors can occur in pets and can cause a pet to change its food preference (i.e. from hard to soft foods) or cause a pet to change the manner in which they chew their food. Many times a foul odor can be detected in pets with oral tumors. A thorough oral examination with radiographs or CT scans, necessitating sedation, is often necessary to determine the cause of the problem.

07 / Unexplainable bleeding

Although bleeding disorders do occur in pets, they usually are discovered while pets are young. If unexplained bleeding starts when a pet is old, a thorough search by your veterinarian should be undertaken.

08 / Cough

There are many causes of a cough in dogs and cats. However, dry, non-productive coughing in an older pet should prompt chest radiographs to be taken, as this type of cough is the most common sign of lung cancer.

09 / Lameness

Unexplained lameness, especially in large or giant breed dogs, is a very common sign of bone cancer. Radiographs of the affected area are useful for detecting cancer of the bone.

10 / Straining to urinate

Straining to urinate and blood in the urine usually indicate a common urinary tract infection; if the straining and bleeding are not rapidly controlled with antibiotics or are recurrent, cancer of the bladder may be the underlying cause. Cystoscopy or other techniques that allow a veterinarian to take a biopsy of the bladder are useful and sometimes necessary to establish a definitive diagnosis in these cases.

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Top 5 Important Questions to Ask About Pet Obesity

Pet's with the diagnosis of obesity is not new, however, it is becoming more prevalent. This is an incredibly important issue because pets with obesity are at increased risk for developing serious weight-related disorders such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, cancer, and more.

To help you better care for your dog or cat, we'd like to provide the top five questions you need to ask your veterinarian to keep your pet healthy. They are simple, non-embarrassing questions, and just may save your pet’s life.

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#1 - Is my pet overweight?

This is the most important question you must ask your veterinarian – and one your vet may not be eager to answer. Believe it or not, many veterinarians are hesitant to tell you if your pet is overweight or has obesity. This is primarily due to the fact your veterinarian doesn’t want to inadvertently offend you. Weight issues are tricky and loaded with perceived judgment, strong emotions, and social stigmas.

As a concerned pet owner, you need to understand your pet’s weight is one of the most influential factors of longevity, quality of life, and disease prevention. To answer this question, your veterinarian will likely conduct a couple of measurements, determine a Body Condition Score (see charts below) and determine your pet's current weight status.

Ask the question. Demand a thorough assessment. Don’t be offended if the answer isn’t what you expected. This isn’t personal; it’s your pet’s wellbeing.

#2 How many calories should I feed my pet each day?

We’ve got to be specific when it comes to feeding our pets. Don’t fall into the trap of inquiring, “How much should I feed?” You’ll probably get a generic, inaccurate response. You need to know the precise numbers of calories and nutrients your pet needs. That way, regardless of the type, brand, or formulation of food you feed, you can determine how much to feed. This is a subtle, but incredibly significant difference. Healthy nutrition is about feeding your pet proper nutrients, not ingredients.

Your veterinarian should then ask you a few lifestyle questions, perform a couple of calculations, and give you a narrow range of daily calories you should feed. Memorize this number. Find out how many cups or cans of your pet food this equals. Feed that amount. Don't forget to include any treats in your daily caloric counts. Less is best, as it can swiftly add up and destroy even the best dietary plans.

#3 How much weight should my pet lose in a month?

If your pet is like the majority of dogs and cats, it’ll need to shed a few unhealthy pounds of excess fat. You need to ask how much weight your pet needs to shed and how long will it take to reach a healthy weight. I prefer to think in terms of pounds per month due to practicality and performance. Monthly weight checks are practical and reasonable for even the busiest pet owners. A weight loss plan’s performance is critical to track and monitoring monthly trends is an accurate indicator of success or stagnation.

In general terms, a dog can safely lose 1 to 3-percent of its body weight and cats 0.5 to 2-percent per month. Many dogs can lose 3 to 5-percent and most cats should aim for about a half-pound per month. Losing weight isn’t easy or fast for pets, especially cats.

If you put your pet on a “crash diet,” they can develop serious medical conditions, including a life-threatening form of liver failure that can occur in less than 72 hours. Patience is essential with pet weight loss.

Most of my canine patients will have a 3 to 6-month weight loss plan and cats 6 to 12-months. Your veterinarian will probably formulate a step-weight loss plan that will gradually decrease the amount you’re feeding over a 1 to 3-month period. This will help curtail cravings, begging, and late-night pestering. Note I said “help,” not “eliminate.” There will be some unhappy pets when you institute a diet. Your veterinarian should provide you with tips on preventing these behaviors and transitioning to a new weight-loss diet.

#4 What kind of exercise should my pet do?

Most veterinarians and pet owners focus on how long a pet should exercise daily. While that’s an excellent approach, it is advised you ask what types of activities are best based on your pet’s species, breed, age, gender, and current physical abilities. Walking, swimming, agility, chase, ball retrieving, and remote-controlled toys – the opportunities for physical activity with your pet are limitless but determined by physical ability and intellectual interest. The general recommendation is that dogs need at least 30-minutes of physical activity a day and cats should strive for three 5-minute intense play periods. How you spend those minutes will determine if you do it or don’t and if you adhere to those activities. Make your outings enjoyable, entertaining, and interactive. They will be not only beneficial but also strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

Cat owners, please don’t forget to ask this question. Whether you play with a feather duster or laser pointer, move the food bowl, or use a hip, high-tech toy, engage your cat’s inner predator and encourage it to pounce, leap, and prowl every day.

If you want to get really technical, try out pet activity monitors. They’re a great tool to document how much your pet is walking or playing each day. Better yet, you can share these reports with your veterinarian to identify any deficiencies or ways to optimize your training.

#5 Is my pet at risk for a medical problem due to excess weight?

This is a very serious question that you need to understand for your pet’s future. Dogs and cats with excess fat are at greater risk for developing diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and many forms of cancer. You need to have an honest conversation with your veterinarian to find out if your pet is potentially facing one of these weight-related disorders. If so, what can you do to reduce their odds of developing one of these conditions? Preventing disease is the primary focus of maintaining a healthy weight and proper nutrition. The most important decision you make each day about your pet’s health is what you choose to feed it. Choose wisely; your pet’s longevity and quality of life depend on it.

It’s never too late to reduce your pet’s chances of contracting one of these serious disorders. Early recognition and awareness is the best defense against many diseases. Begin by asking these questions.

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