The Top 10 Most Common Causes of Veterinary Visits for Cats and Dogs in 2011

Did you know that an ear infection is the most common reason we take our dog to the vet? Much like humans, ailments like an ear infection, stomach ache or cough are common, and can prompt a visit to the veterinarian for our pets. While the majority of these conditions are curable, they can become chronic and expensive to treat. VPI policyholders spent more than $46 million in 2011 treating the 10 most common medical conditions afflicting their pets. After sorting through our database of more than 485,000 insured pets, these were the top 10 dog and cat medical conditions in 2011:

Dogs:

1. Ear Infection

2. Skin Allergies

3. Skin Infection

4. Non-cancerous Skin Growth

5. Upset Stomach

6. Intestinal Upset/Diarrhea

7. Arthritis

8. Bladder Infection

9. Bruise or Contusion

10. Underactive Thyroid

Cats:

1. Bladder Infection

2. Chronic Kidney Disease

3. Overactive Thyroid

4. Upset Stomach

5. Periodontitis/Dental Disease

6. Diabetes

7. Intestinal Upset/Diarrhea

8. Ear Infection

9. Skin Allergies

10. Lymphosarcoma (Cancer of the Lymph Node)

The most common cause for taking a dog to see a veterinarian in 2011 was for an ear infection, with more than 62,000 claims received by VPI. The average claim was $98 per visit. Bladder infections were the most common reason to a cat to the veterinarian in 2011 with 3,800 claims at an average claim amount of $233 per office visit.

The most expensive canine condition on the list (non-cancerous skin growth) cost an average of $220 per visit, while, for cats, the most expensive condition (lymphosarcoma) cost an average of $426 per visit.

Pet owners should familiarize themselves with their pets’ daily routine in order to identify abnormal behaviors that might indicate an injury or illness. In addition, regular semiannual physical examinations by a veterinarian can help prevent and identify certain conditions before they become serious or costly.