Dogs have a chance against cancer with advanced care and financial support
October 09 2017 - 7:15PM
Veterinary oncology is giving dogs a chance when faced with a
cancer diagnosis, and medical insurance for pets is helping pet
owners manage the financial impact associated with this advanced
care. Trupanion, a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs,
has seen an increase in cancer-related claims as treatment options
become more accessible. Since January 2017, the Trupanion policy
has paid over $6 million in cancer-related claims for dogs
alone.
Many cancer treatments available to humans are also being used
to treat pets. This includes immunotherapy, surgery, radiation,
chemotherapy and other therapies. Veterinary oncologists specialize
in cutting-edge treatments to give pets the best quality of life
when faced with a cancer diagnosis. But these advanced treatments
come at a cost.
Deanna P., a veterinary technician in Seekonk, Massachusetts,
experienced this firsthand when her German Shepherd, Kendra,
developed anal gland adenocarcinoma. Kendra’s treatment involved
surgeries, medication, chemotherapy, radiation, ultrasounds,
imaging, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, supplements, physical
therapy, and eventually hospice care—totaling almost $50,000. “In
this time of state-of-the-art medical advancement in the health
management and care of our pets, for me, pet medical insurance is
just as mandatory as microchipping and routine veterinary care,”
Deanna said.
The decision to move forward with cancer treatment for a pet can
be significantly influenced by the financial burden that comes with
some treatment options. Medical insurance for cats and dogs helps
remove that burden so owners can make the best decision for their
pet regardless of cost.
When Lori G. of Groton, Connecticut, found out her Golden
Retriever, Kelly, had soft tissue sarcoma, she was faced with a
tough choice. Kelly was just 5 years old, happy and otherwise
healthy. “The doctors at Vet Cancer Center recommended an
aggressive treatment plan due to the advanced stage of the tumor,”
Lori said. “I was at the point where I had to make the hard
decision. Do I move forward? Do I put Kelly though this? How will
her quality of life be affected? What is the prognosis?”
Lori decided to move forward with Kelly’s treatment. “Because of
Trupanion, I didn’t have to address the biggest deciding factor
that most people face—can I afford this?” Lori said. “The cost of
the treatment was never a factor in my decision-making process.”
Her insurance covered over $18,000 in veterinary expenses.
Veterinary oncology is more accessible now than ever, and
medical insurance for pets can help cover the cost of these
treatments, allowing pet owners to focus on their pet and not worry
about finances. This coverage can give pet owners more accessible
and advanced treatment options to help improve a pet’s quality of
life, without creating a financial burden during an already
difficult time.
About Trupanion
Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs
throughout the United States and Canada. For almost two decades,
Trupanion has given pet owners peace of mind so they can focus on
their pet's recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed
to providing pet owners with the highest value in pet medical
insurance. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol "TRUP".
The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle,
WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States, by its
wholly-owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company and,
in Canada, by Omega General Insurance Company. For more information
please visit trupanion.com.
MediaRelations@trupanion.com
206-607-1930
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