Pet insurance is health insurance for pets. Pet insurance policies help pay for the costs of veterinary care in the event of illness or injury to your dog or cat. Like health insurance for humans, the younger your pet is when you start a pet insurance plan, the less expensive it will be. For dog breeds that have a pre-disposition to hip dysplasia, getting coverage before any symptoms present themselves is the best bet.
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Hip Dsyplasia Physiology
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Hip dysplasia is a common medical condition affecting larger dogs. Larger breed such as German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, Great Danes and rottweilers have a greater incident rate for hip dysplasia than smaller breeds. According to PetEducation.com, hip dysplasia may have a genetic pre-disposition. The symptoms of hip dysplasia are stiffness after exercise, limited extension of the hind legs and an altered gait. This condition is not covered by basic pet insurance policies.
Costs
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According to Golden Ribbon Rescue, a foundation dedicated to helping golden retriever owners, the annual costs to treat hip dysplasia increase with age, ranging from $2,500 for middle-aged dogs to over $4,000 for senior dogs. This includes annual exams, blood work and medications.
Pet insurance plans to cover hereditary problems such as hip dysplasia may start at $28 per month for a puppy in 2010. Keep in mind that policies will also cover other illnesses beyond the hip dysplasia. You can customize policies to also include routine care such as vaccinations and annual checkups. Depending on the policy, you may see benefits from full coverage to 60% reimbursements.
Pre-existing Conditions
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Check with each pet insurance policy provider to find out how pre-existing conditions and hereditary conditions are treated. There may be a waiting period of thirty days or more. If your dog is diagnosed with hip dysplasia anytime before the policy started or within the waiting period, coverage may be denied. It is important to read the fine print and ask as many questions as possible before committing to a policy.
Treatment
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Diagnosis and treatment for hip dysplasia requires many tests and constant medication. Veterinarians diagnose the condition through x-rays or other diagnostic imaging. Quarterly exams with extensive blood work are not uncommon. Most dogs will be put on daily prescriptions such Rimadyl or Cosequin or both. This course of treatment and maintenance may go on for years. For some dogs, hip replacement is necessary. Look for a policy that covers medications, diagnostics and surgical procedures.
Owner's Choice
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Pet insurance is something each owner needs to consider as a personal choice. When you look at the cost of premiums over the course of a dog's life at $28 per month in premiums, the cost of insurance alone is over $4,000. Some owners can't imagine spending this much or more in premiums in the event that they may have a medical condition. Others dog owners feel that the best choice is having the financial help available to give their dog the best possible care if hip dysplasia occurs.
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