Embrace Pet Insurance Blog

Guest Post: your pet dental questions with Dr Patrick Mahaney

It's Pet Dental Health Month and to get ready, I posted on the Embrace Facebook Page for questions to ask Dr Patrick on the topic of pet dental health. Here are what you came up with:

Cait O asks “I see the infomercials for the "no-brush" dental spray on TV... it probably doesn't work, but I have to ask... does it?!”

Genevieve B asks "I know that Pro Den works extremely well. It's a powder that's added to food
and it will flake off the tartar after a few weeks and keep it off."

Jean N asks "My cats will not let me brush their teeth. What else can I do to prevent their teeth from going bad?"

Arthur R asks "My Embraced dog, Pancho, has a small mouth and does not like having his teeth brushed. No matter how I try, he squirms and twists his way out of daily brushing. How can I get him to look forward to daily dental hygiene?"

Jan W asks "Is it true that dogs should not be given bone shaped hard chew toys? We were told that the torque a dog uses to chew compressed rawhide or Nylabones can crack and break teeth - especially as they get older since they tend to hold them upright to get a better grip."

Jennifer F asks "How long should I let my 9 month old chew on a raw meaty bone after the meat is gone? Either large or small/thin. The thinner ones I let him chew the ends until it gets to 3-4 inches long then I throw it away. Thanks!"

For the answers, click on the link below for the audio file.

Laura Bennett & Dr Patrick Mahaney Pet Dental Health Q&A  

Products mentioned in Patrick's answers:

• Fussie Cat whole food
• Lucky Dog Cuisine
• Plaque Attack
• Proden PlaqueOff
• DentAcetic dental wipes

Do you have any tips or tricks on dog or cat dental health you can share?

Related Posts:
February is Pet Dental Health Month at Embrace Pet Insurance
Guest Post: video of a veterinarian cleaning dog teeth
Make 101 dollars on your pet's dental cleaning
Guest Post: your pet dental questions with Dr Patrick  Mahaney
Claim Example: Tooth Fracture in a Golden Retriever

Other posts by Dr Patrick Mahaney

________________________________________________________________________________________

Dr. Mahaney is a veterinarian from the University of Pennsylvania and a
Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, having been inspired by his own chronic pain
from Intervertebral Disc Disease to provide accupuncture to his veterinary
clients. In addition to Dr Mahaney's house call integrative veterinary medicine
business, California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness, he sees patients on an in-clinic basis at Veterinary Cancer Group in Culver City, CA.

Dr Mahaney writes a veterinary column (Patrick's Blog) for www.PatrickMahaney.com and contributes to a variety of media, including Perez
Hilton's TeddyHilton.com, Fido Friendly, Veterinary Practice News, Healthy Pets and People with Dr Patrick on OutImpactRadio.com, and MSNBC Sunday with Alex Witt and Career Day. His first book, The Uncomfortable Vet, will be available in 2012 through Havenhurst Books.

 

Is it possible to train a cat to walk on a leash?

We shall see!

When we think of the term "pet behavior", we think of issues, like chewing or inappropriate urination or freaking out in a thunderstorm, not something more positive like getting your cat to walk on a leash. So I am taking up the challenge of training my cats to walk on a leash.

I have two indoor cats, Rocket and Rosie, who are 2.5 years old and have never gone outside. Here's a quick video introduction to them. 

I know they'd like to go outside but I'm committed to keeping them out of harm's way so we asked JoyKatz if we could test out some of their beautiful handmade walking jackets for cats.

So, here are the kittens getting their harness put on. 

And here they are wandering around with their harnesses. 

As you can tell, it is going to take a while for them (Rosie in particular) to get used to the harnesses and associate them with a fun walk outside. It doesn't help that I'm in Cleveland and it's cold and snowy outside, and will be for a while. Perhaps we'll have to practise in the garage.

I'll post every now and then with their progress and next time, I'll show you the harness in more detail and how it works.

Thank you to JoyKatz for supplying these two Walking Jackets - they are very smart and well made indeed, and to Erin for taking some of the video.

Related Posts:
January is Dog & Cat Behavior Month at Embrace Pet Insurance
Guest Post: Why Are Our Pets So Stressed?
Is it possible to train a cat to walk on a leash?
Embrace Pet Insurance covers behavioral issues
Guest Post: Seizure Behavior in Dogs

Big Dog Claim Example: Neopolitan Mastiff's torn cruciate ligament

Young Neapolitan Mastiff Bane was on vacation, loving life and playing with another family dog when his vacation took a turn.  After a game of chase Bane began limping. With big dogs, come big problems: Bane’s poor mum had to drive 2 hours to find a veterinary hospital that could fit all 160 lbs of cuddlebug into their x-ray machine! 

The results: a torn ACL.  Bane’s knee would need to be surgically repaired.

One $3,125.41 knee surgery later and Bane is on the mend.  We’re certainly glad we could help pay for his costs and get this handsome guy back into the game.

Bane’s Claim:

Total invoices: $3,125.41

Covered amount: $3,050.29* -$200 deductible = $2,850.29

80% reimbursement: $2,280.23

Bane’s plan has $7,719.77 remaining in this policy term, on the off chance that he has another accident.  This is good news, as ACL issues are much more common once a dog has injured one ACL.  A second repair in this term would not have an additional deductible.

*prescriptions were not included in Bane’s policy, so pain relievers were exempted from the reimbursement

A note from Bane’s Mom:

As stressful as it was (driving two hours to a hospital that could fit him into an x-ray machine, and getting the surgery that he needed) Embrace was there every step of the way and made the process very fast and easy. The claim form is a breeze to fill out and send back, and within a few days, I received my reimbursement. They also reimbursed me for Bane's follow-up x-ray. No questions asked! I even got a personal email from them checking up on Bane during his recovery. Thank you Embrace for making Bane's surgery possible! We are all very happy with the outcome and will be lifetime customers!

Related Posts:
December is Extremes Month - Big & Little Dogs & Cats
Life with a Great Dane
Big Dog Claim Example: Neopolitan Mastiff's torn cruciate ligament
Life with a Maine Coon, or three
Guest Post: very big dog versus very small dog
Small Dog Claim Example: Pug has breathing issues

Life with a Great Dane

Continuing December's theme of dog and cat extremes, we asked Great Dane Embracer, Jahmila B. of Fort Collins, CO, to “tell us about life with your big boy, Ludo”.

As far as life with a giant breed dog....It's great! I decided to get a Great Dane because I have always loved giant breeds like Mastiffs, Danes and Irish Wolf Hounds. They have the perfect energy level for me and my life style and I think that is the most important thing to consider when getting a dog. I know I do not have the time or energy to exercise my dog for hours each day. With Ludo we go for a walk around the neighborhood and he usually lasts about twenty minutes before he wants to go home. He is very content with laying in his chair all day even though he has the opportunity to come to work with me at doggy daycare. Everyone thinks that to have a giant breed dog you need a big back yard for them to run and that is completely not true. They are great apartment dogs, as Ludo spent the first 2 years of his life in an apartment and did fine.

I got Ludo from a breeder because I did want to have a puppy and all the local rescues would not let a puppy live in a house without a fenced in yard.  Despite not being able to adopt a Dane, Ludo and I still spent about a year and a half volunteering with the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue helping to raise money for his fellow Danes that were looking for homes.

The one thing that worried me with giant breed dogs like Danes was bloat. I have known friends who's dogs have bloated and I never wanted to deal with that so I made the decision to get his stomach tacked when he got neutered as a pup. With that worry out of my head all I have to worry about now is his clumsiness. He is a silly big dog that thinks he is a lot smaller than he is. But I love my giant breed dog. My French Bulldog mix, Herman, is probably the only small dog I will ever own. When the time comes to get another dog it will be another Dane or possibly a Neapolitan Mastiff! I have always wanted one of them too! 

Would you like to read more about some of Jahmila’s favorite breeds?

Great Dane

Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiff

Irish Wolfhound

And not to exclude Herman the Frenchie mix

Related Posts:
December is Extremes Month - Big & Little Dogs & Cats
Life with a Great Dane
Big Dog Claim Example: Neopolitan Mastiff's torn cruciate ligament
Life with a Maine Coon, or three
Guest Post: very big dog versus very small dog
Small Dog Claim Example: Pug has breathing issues

Claim Example: hyperadrenocorticism or Cushings Disease in 9 year old dog

I was doing a quick survey of costly conditions in older dogs (older cat conditions coming soon) and Peggy, a 9 year old mixed breed dog living in Portland, OR, caught my eye.

Peggy has hyperadrenocorticism, also known as Cushings Disease, which is more common in middle-aged and senior dogs. Cushings is a disease where the adrenal gland produces too much cortisol, most often caused by a tumor in the pituitary or adrenal glands. It is suspected to be somewhat genetic as certain breeds such as Miniature Poodles, Dachshunds, Boxers, Boston Terriers, and Beagles are more susceptible to the condition.

The most common clinical signs for Cushings are polydipsia (PD increased thirst), polyuria (PU increased urination), polyphagia (eating too much), heat intolerance, lethargy, potbelly, panting, obesity, muscle weakness, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Have you seen your dog suffering from one of those symptoms?

Peggy has “pituitary dependent” hyperadrenocorticism, and so she is being treated by medication. Her claims since she has started her treatment are as follows:

Vet Visit	Diagnosis	Claim Amount	Covered Amount	Paid Amount
2/12/2011	Hyperadrenocorticism, PU/PD	$1,246.47	$1,246.47	$597.18
3/25/2011	Hyperadrenocorticism	$396.00	$396.00	$316.80
3/15/2011	Ultrasound Abdomen	$305.00	$305.00	$244.00
3/28/2011	Drug: Prednisone & Vetoryl	$76.20	$76.20	$60.96
4/20/2011	Hyperadrenocorticism	$296.00	$296.00	$236.80
4/27/2011	Drug: Vetoryl	$72.85	$72.85	$58.28
5/13/2011	Hyperadrenocorticism	$407.48	$378.50	$302.80
7/16/2011	Drug: Vetoryl	$88.49	$70.50	$56.40
7/29/2011	Hyperadrenocorticism	$363.00	$363.00	$290.40
	Total	$3,251.49	$3,204.52	$2,163.62

Peggy's policy has a $500 annual deductible, an 80% reimbursement rate, a $10,000 annual maximum and includes the prescription drug coverage. Her policy costs $28.73 a month.

For more details, check out our detail on hyperadrenocorticism (Cushings Disease) in the Embrace Pet Health Center.

Are you coping with a Cushing's dog?

Related Posts:
September is Senior Pet Month at Embrace Pet Insurance
Guest Post: Top 5 good things about old dogs
Guest Post: Senior Pet Health Tips
Claim Example: hyperadrenocorticism or Cushings Disease in 9 year old dog
Guest Post: Letting Her Lead by Christine Gillow

(picture is of another Embraced dog, Lexington - what a cutie!) 

Claim Example: allergies in a dog

What does 3 years of allergy treatment cost?  $2,500 and climbing. Ouch.

As an example of the cost of general allergies in a dog, I found Jack, a mixed breed dog born in 2005 who has suffered from allergies since 2008. He lives in Dallas TX, so while not an inexpensive city to live in for veterinary care, certainly not the most expensive.

Here are his charges related to allergies over the last 3 years (he tore his cruciate ligament early on as well - he's had a lot of health issues going on.)

Date of Visit	Claim Status	Diagnosis	Covered Amount	Paid Amount
4/8/2008	Paid	colitis	131.00	117.90
4/16/2008	Paid	allergies	99.00	89.10
5/7/2008	Paid	allergies, diarrhea, ear infection	164.50	148.05
6/13/2008	Paid	allergies	77.00	69.30
7/1/2008	Paid	allergic dermatitis	252.00	226.80
8/20/2008	Paid	allergy flare up	99.00	89.10
9/23/2008	Deduct	allergy flare up	44.00	0.00
11/1/2008	Paid	allergies	74.95	17.05
4/10/2009	Paid	Allergy Testing	265.00	238.50
4/24/2009	Paid	Allercept Allergy Initial Treatment	200.50	180.45
5/28/2009	Paid	Allergic Otitis	45.00	40.50
6/30/2009	Paid	Medications, Allergy	156.00	140.40
12/29/2009	Paid	Medications, Allergy	156.00	50.40
6/28/2010	Paid	Medications, Allergy	168.30	151.47
1/14/2011	Paid	Allergy Refill Treatment Set	165.50	58.95
1/20/2011	Paid	Skin Lesion, Pain Instability	117.00	105.30
3/22/2011	Paid	Allergy Flare Up	194.23	174.81
4/15/2011	Paid	Superficial External Otitis	83.20	74.88
Total			2,492.18	1,972.96

Jack's pet insurance policy costs $64.31 a month for a $100 annual deductible, 10% copay percentage, $10,000 annual maximum with prescription drug coverage.  

Are these the kind of expenses you are seeing with your dog allergies?

Related Posts:
May is Allergy Month at Embrace Pet Insurance
Guest Post: Allergies in Pets
Can dogs be allergic to bee and yellow jacket stings?
Claim Example: allergies in a dog

 

Pet Cancer Story: Ally the Labrador with Lung Cancer

Another dog cancer story, this time from Anna, who writes about her dog Ally, who died of lung cancer.
_______________________________________________________

We got your pet insurance on our puppy after the very painful loss of our 8 year old Lab,Ally, in 2008. She had lung cancer and we did treat as we are very lucky to have the #1 Animal Hospital in America(Countryside) in our town. We were then referred to Tufts Hospital in Grafton Ma where we also got wonderful, advanced treatment.

We treated Ally for months before she went to heaven and we know her case taught many vets how to better treat in the future. Her tumor was so close to her heart it was, unfortunately, inoperable.

We also learned the importance of feeding our canine babies and ourselves organic food.

We were lucky and could afford Ally's treatments but many folks cannot so we tell everyone to get Embrace so you can focus on caring for your sick baby and not the financial burden.

There are so many new treatments for canine cancer it's amazing and many support groups for pet parents too!

So, to any parents out there going through this now, know there is great treatment, great support and your baby can possibly be healed so don't give up!

Related Posts:
April is Cancer Month at Embrace Pet Insurance
Claim Example: b cell neoplasm (rectal tumor) in Dachshund
Guest Post: cancer treatment for cats and dogs versus people
Claim example: lymphoma in 3 year old mixed breed cat
Other Pet Cancer Stories

Cancer story: update on Cadence the Pug with an oral mast cell tumor

We profiled Cadence the Pug with an oral mast cell tumor on our website but I thought it worth revisiting Cadence's continued progress with this cancer.

First, some great news from Christine, Cadence's mom:

Cadence gets 6 month check ups to look for recurrence including occasional blood work and xrays.  So far she's checked out A-Ok :). No cancer has been found!

I am so grateful for everything Embrace has done to make sure Cadence got the best care. It saved Cadence's life. :) I can't say thank you enough!

Here is a picture of Cadence and our other pup, Wrigley (also insured with Embrace) as well as one of Cadence on her own.  If you notice Cadence's face, her right side is white.  She is bald with white whiskers there now from her radiation treatment.  Adds character :)

Here's an update on the cost to treat Cadence, including surgery to remove the tumor and radiation treatment:

Date	Claim Status	Diagnosis	Claim Amount	Paid Amount
11/4/2008	Deduct	suspected URI or allergy	68.91	0.00
5/6/2009	Paid	Mass Removal, mast cell tumor	1,167.70	932.95
5/14/2009	Paid	Oral Mast Cell Tumor	203.00	182.70
6/3/2009	Paid	Oral Mast Cell Tumor	469.50	422.55
6/4/2009	Paid	CT for Oral Mass Cell Tumor	682.00	613.80
6/16/2009	Paid	Tumor Radiation Treatments	2,572.00	2,314.80
7/13/2009	Paid	Tumor Radiation Treatments	2,200.00	1,980.00
8/27/2009	Paid	Recheck Post Radiation Therapy	49.00	44.10
9/4/2009	Paid	Lethargic and Decreased Appetite	175.40	157.86
2/25/2010	Paid	Oral Mast Cell Tumor recheck	110.00	99.00
Total			7,697.51	6,747.76

Cadence is now 5 years old and looks great considering what she's gone through, don't you think?!

Related Posts:
April is Cancer Month at Embrace Pet Insurance
Claim Example: b cell neoplasm (rectal tumor) in Dachshund
Guest Post: cancer treatment for cats and dogs versus people
Claim example: lymphoma in 3 year old mixed breed cat
Pet Cancer Stories

Pet Cancer Story: Barkley and Jake, Golden Retrievers

Continuing our submissions on pet cancer... from Colleen E, Albany NY:

My very first dog Barkley was a Golden Retriever.  I noticed he had problems with his neck.  The vets did all kinds of tests and found nothing. I finally took him to a different vet who took blood samples. Turns out he had bone cancer.  We went to a specialist and he had chemo for awhile, I spent $1000’s on him and his care. Barkley died, he was 2 years old. 

I was never going to get another dog, but my friends in Syracuse rescued a dog Jake and brought him to me 6 months later. Jake was my Golden Retriever who I had for 10 wonderful years.  I went to CA last July on vacation with my sisters and Jake got sick.

As it turned out his spleen was filled with cancer and it had spread throughout his body.   My best friend had to put him down while I was away.  Jake never once showed any signs of illness.  Cancer is a horrible disease.

I now have 2 dogs: a rescued mix and a new golden retriever.  I now have pet insurance!

Related Posts:
April is Cancer Month at Embrace Pet Insurance
Claim Example: b cell neoplasm (rectal tumor) in Dachshund
Guest Post: cancer treatment for cats and dogs versus people
Claim example: lymphoma in 3 year old mixed breed cat
Pet Cancer Stories

Pet Cancer Stories

In our monthly Belly Rubs newsletter, I asked our readers if they had any stories about pet cancer they would like to share on the Embrace blog and I had a wonderful response.

Sometimes a little teary, but mostly warm and caring stories about the effect pets have on our lives when they are with us and when they are gone. Amazingly, I felt uplifted reading them.

In the next few blog posts, I will be sharing these stories. I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories too. It's important pet parents feel they are not alone dealing with pet cancer.

Pet Cancer Stories:
Barkley and Jake, Golden Retrievers
Rex and Maddy, mixed breed cats
Update on Cadence the Pug with an oral mast cell tumor
Boss the Rottweiler with Lymphoma
Molly a German Shepherd Dog / Husky
Ally the Labrador with Lung Cancer