The Top 10 Most Common Causes of Veterinary Visits in 2013

While seemingly minor ailments in cats and dogs such as an ear infection, skin problems, stomach ache or a cough are rarely life-threatening, they can prompt a visit to the veterinarian before they become chronic and expensive to treat.

In 2013, VPI policyholders spent more than $66 million treating the 10 most common medical conditions affecting their furry, four-legged friends. VPI recently sorted its database of more than 500,000 insured pets to determine the top 10 dog and cat medical conditions in 2013:

In 2013, VPI received more than 77,000 canine claims for skin allergies, the most common cause for taking a dog to see a veterinarian. The average cost per pet was $187. For cats, urinary tract diseases were the most common reason to take your kitty to the veterinarian. VPI received more than 4,600 medical claims for this ailment – with an average cost per pet of $422.

The most expensive canine condition on the list (non-cancerous skin mass) cost an average of $342 per pet, while, for cats, the most expensive condition (lymphoma) cost an average of $2,004 per pet. In addition to familiarizing themselves with their pets’ routine and behavior, pet owners should schedule their pets’ semiannual veterinary examinations on a regular basis to help prevent and identify certain conditions before they become serious or costly.