Learn about common dog and cat health conditions to find out how they may affect your pet, the price range of veterinary care to diagnose and treat the condition, and whether it is covered by the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan.
Please note: the price ranges listed for each condition are approximations for informational purposes only and in no way guarantee the actual costs of veterinary care in your area. Actual costs for veterinary treatment will vary greatly based on location and your pet's individual situation. Cost estimations were collected from various sources (linked from each condition) from February through April, 2020.
Dogs
Allergies
Does the Healthy Paws plan cover pet allergy testing?
So long as the signs and symptoms for allergies first manifested after enrolling and after any applicable waiting periods, allergy testing is eligible for coverage, subject to all other policy terms and conditions.
How much do allergy shots cost for pets?
Allergy shots cost $80-$120 per injection, according to Dr. Zac Pilossoph*. Prior to allergy shots, diagnostic testing is necessary to determine the proper course of treatment. Allergies may require daily to weekly treatments which may be ongoing for up to several years.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover allergies?
Veterinary treatment and medications for allergies are eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the signs and symptoms first manifested after enrolling and after any applicable waiting periods.
Broken Leg
How much does it cost to treat a dog’s broken leg?
Non-surgical treatment for minor breaks can cost about $600. If surgery is required, the cost to repair a dog’s broken bone can cost around $2,000 and up.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover a dog’s broken leg?
The veterinary costs associated with a broken leg, including diagnostics, treatment, and medications are eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the condition is not pre-existing to policy coverage. Learn more about pre-existing conditions.
Cancer
How much does cancer treatment cost for dogs?
There are many different types of cancer as well as varying degrees of necessary treatment, depending on the severity, so there is no one-size-fits-all cost for cancer treatment for dogs. However, according to Healthy Paws’ 2019 Cost of Care report, a full course of cancer treatment can add up to $21,644.
Is dog cancer covered by pet insurance?
The costs of veterinary care for cancer, including diagnostics, treatment, and medications are eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the condition is not pre-existing to policy coverage. Learn more about pre-existing conditions.
Cherry Eye
What is cherry eye in dogs?
Cherry eye is a disorder of the third eyelid, causing it to bulge in the corner of the eye as a red, fleshy mass.
How much does dog cherry eye surgery cost?
Depending on the type of surgery and how complicated the case is, cherry eye surgery for dogs can cost anywhere from $300 to over $500, according to VetInfo.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover cherry eye in dogs?
The costs of veterinary care for cherry eye in dogs, including diagnostics, treatment, and medications are eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the condition is not pre-existing to policy coverage. Learn more about pre-existing conditions.
Conjunctivitis
What is conjunctivitis in cats and dogs?
In dogs and cats, conjunctivitis is inflammation (also known as pink eye) in one or both eyes. It can be caused by an infection or environmental irritants like dust or allergens.
What is the vet cost to treat conjunctivitis in cats and dogs?
After examination, your veterinarian may prescribe an eyewash to help flush your pet’s eye. This can cost around $15, according to Canine Journal. If an infection is present, the veterinarian may also prescribe antibiotics and pain medication.
Cruciate Ligament Tear
How much does ACL or cruciate ligament surgery cost for dogs?
Treatment for a cranial cruciate ligament or CCL injury (similar to ACL in people) may include diagnostics, medications, and surgery. The costs of treatment can range from $1,200 to over $8,000 per knee, according to Dr. Zac Pilossoph*.
How much does TPLO surgery cost for dogs?
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery for a dog’s ruptured cruciate ligament can cost $3,300 to $6,000+ per knee, according to DogKneeInjury.com.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover a dog’s torn cruciate ligament?
Cruciate ligament injuries are eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the condition is not pre-existing and the pet has not had a cruciate ligament injury on the opposite leg that is pre-existing to policy coverage.
Cruciate ligament issues (ACL, CCL ruptures and disease) have a specific exclusion in the policy: if your pet has shown lameness or a full/partial tear prior to enrollment or during any applicable waiting period, on either side, the other side is also excluded from coverage. This is the only bilateral exclusion in the Healthy Paws policy.
Dental Cleaning
How much does a teeth cleaning cost for dogs and cats?
Dental cleanings require the pet to be put under anesthesia. Costs for a dental cleaning vary based on location, but may range from $500 to $1,000, according to HomeGuide. For cats, it ranges from $500-$600. If extractions are necessary, there would be an additional cost.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover dental cleanings?
The Healthy Paws pet insurance plan does not cover routine dental health care required to maintain the dental hygiene of your pet, such as brushing and veterinary dental cleanings.
Ear Infections
How much does treatment cost for dog and cat ear infections?
Depending on each individual case, the cost to treat a dog or cat ear infection will vary greatly, but can initially cost $100 to $300, according to Dr. Zac Pilossoph*.
What is the vet cost to treat a dog ear infection?
Generally, the cost to treat a dog’s ear infection costs around $50-150, depending on what ear medication and ear flush were chosen after the cytology sampling was done, according to Dr. Zac Pilossoph*.
Are ear infections covered by pet insurance?
Veterinary care for an ear infection is eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan as long as the condition is not pre-existing to policy coverage. Learn more about pre-existing conditions.
Elbow Dysplasia
What is elbow dysplasia in dogs?
Elbow dysplasia is a condition in which a dog’s elbow joint develops abnormally and causes damage to the cartilage surface of the joint. This condition may affect one or both elbows.
How much does elbow dysplasia surgery cost for dogs?
Elbow dysplasia surgery for dogs can cost $3,000 to $5,000 per elbow, according to PetInsuranceQuotes.com.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover elbow dysplasia?
The costs of veterinary care for elbow dysplasia, including diagnostics, treatment, and medications are eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the condition is not pre-existing to policy coverage. Learn more about pre-existing conditions.
Eye Ulcers
What is a corneal ulcer in dogs?
Eye ulcers are commonly called corneal ulcers. A corneal ulcer is an injury or abrasion to the outer layer of the eye. They are often caused by trauma, such as rough play with another pet, or foreign objects like grass seed hulls or foxtails, but can also be caused by dry eye or inadequate lubrication of the eye surface.
How much does dog eye ulcer surgery cost?
Depending on the complexity of the procedure and the dog’s individual situation, diagnostics and treatment for a dog’s eye ulcer can start at around $200 or up to $2,300+ if surgery is needed, according to HowMuchIsIt.org.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover eye ulcers in dogs?
The costs of veterinary care for eye ulcers, including diagnostics, treatment, and medications are eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the condition is not pre-existing to policy coverage. Learn more about pre-existing conditions.
Glaucoma
What is glaucoma in dogs?
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which there is increased fluid pressure within the eye. High pressure can cause damage and degeneration, ultimately resulting in significant pain and blindness.
How much does glaucoma surgery cost for dogs?
Surgery for glaucoma can cost $2,000 to $3,000, according to PetInsuranceQuotes.com.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover glaucoma in dogs?
The costs of veterinary care for glaucoma in dogs, including diagnostics, treatment, and medications are eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the condition is not pre-existing to policy coverage. Learn more about pre-existing conditions.
Hip Dysplasia
What is hip dysplasia in dogs?
Hip dysplasia is a skeletal condition of the hip joint which occurs due to improper development of the ball and socket. Usually, there is a shallow socket and flattening of the head of the femur, which does not allow for proper movement of the joint. With looseness or grinding movement at the joint, this condition causes discomfort, inflammation, pain, arthritis and deterioration. Learn more about Healthy Paws plan coverage for hip dysplasia.
How much does hip dysplasia surgery for dogs cost?
Surgery for hip dysplasia can cost anywhere from $1,700 to more than $4,500, according to Canine Journal.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover hip dysplasia?
Coverage for hip dysplasia is included in the Healthy Paws plan for pets under the age of six at the time of enrollment, as long as there were no signs or symptoms present prior to enrollment or during the applicable 12 month waiting period (waiting period not in effect in Maryland and New Hampshire).
Liver Shunts
What are liver shunts in dogs?
A liver shunt, or portosystemic shunt, is the formation of an abnormal connection between veins within the liver, which allows blood to bypass around the organ. This sometimes manifests as one obvious vessel and sometimes as numerous very small vessels within the liver called microvascular dysplasia. For microvascular dysplasia, surgery is not possible. Liver shunts cause stunted growth, abnormal behaviors, and seizures.
How much does dog liver shunt surgery cost?
The best treatment for a liver shunt is surgery, which can cost $2,500 to $3,000 or more in dogs, according to Dr. Zac Pilossoph*.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover liver shunts?
The costs of veterinary care for liver shunts in dogs, including diagnostics, treatment, and medications are eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the condition is not pre-existing to policy coverage. Learn more about pre-existing conditions.
Pancreatitis
What is pancreatitis in dogs?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Inflammation of the pancreas leads to a premature activation of digestive enzymes which start to digest the pancreas itself instead of food. In these severe cases, digestive enzymes spill into the body cavity, which can cause damage to internal organs. Pancreatitis can be an acute or chronic condition.
How much does pancreatitis treatment cost for dogs?
Pancreatitis is incredibly painful and can be life-threatening. Treatment often requires hospitalization, which includes blood work, IV fluids, and supportive care. Costs will vary depending on severity of your dog’s case, but can range from $200 in very mild cases to over $1,000 per episode of pancreatitis, according to CostHelper.com.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the condition is not pre-existing to policy coverage, meaning the signs and symptoms of pancreatitis first manifested after enrolling and after any applicable waiting periods.
Parvovirus
What is parvovirus in dogs?
The canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect any dog, but is more likely to be seen in unvaccinated or under vaccinated dogs and even more likely seen in puppies. It can cause intestinal symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. Learn more about parvo in puppies.
What is the vet cost for parvo in dogs?
Caring for a puppy with parvo may require multiple days of hospitalization and can cost $800 to $2,300 or more, according to HowMuchIsIt.org.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover parvo?
Parvovirus treatments, including diagnostics, hospitalization and medications, are eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the condition is not pre-existing to policy coverage, meaning the signs and symptoms of the virus first manifested after enrolling and after any applicable waiting periods.
UTIs
What is a dog UTI?
A UTI or urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria in the lower urinary tract and can appear as painful urination, more frequent urination in small amounts, blood in the urine, or foul-smelling urine.
How much does UTI treatment cost for dogs?
A suspected UTI will require various diagnostic tests; in most cases, the veterinarian will collect a urine sample and conduct a urine culture and sensitivity to determine what type of bacteria is causing the infection. Other diagnostics may include a urinalysis or even an ultrasound or X-ray. Upon diagnosis, your veterinarian may prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics, which can cost around $300 and up, depending on the size of the dog, according to consulting veterinarian Zac Pilossoph, DVM.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover dog UTIs?
The costs of veterinary treatment for dog UTIs are eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the condition is not pre-existing to policy coverage. Learn more about pre-existing conditions.
Cats
Abscess Wounds
What is a cat abscess wound?
Abscesses are painful wounds cats can develop as a result of trauma or injury, often caused by scratches or bites from other cats, animals, or objects.
What is the vet cost to treat a cat abscess?
A simple lancing procedure for a cat abscess can cost around $150 (or more if sedation is required before the procedure), but if surgery is required to repair the abscess, the vet cost may be up to $2,000, according to HowMuchIsIt.org.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover cat abscesses?
Cat abscess treatment is eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the condition is not pre-existing to policy coverage, meaning the signs and symptoms of the abscess first manifested after enrolling and after any applicable waiting periods.
Allergies
Does the Healthy Paws plan cover pet allergy testing?
So long as the signs and symptoms for allergies first manifested after enrolling and after any applicable waiting periods, allergy testing is eligible for coverage.
How much do allergy shots cost for pets?
Allergy shots cost $80-$120 per injection, according to Dr. Zac Pilossoph*. Prior to allergy shots, diagnostic testing is necessary to determine the proper course of treatment. Allergies may require daily to weekly treatments which may be ongoing for up to several years.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover allergies?
Veterinary treatment and medications for allergies are eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the signs and symptoms first manifested after enrolling and after any applicable waiting periods.
Broken Leg
What are the vet costs for a cat’s broken leg?
The initial X-rays cost $150 to $350, and non-surgical treatment can cost around $600. If surgery is required, the cost to repair a cat’s broken bone runs from $1,500 to $4,000 and up, according to HowMuchIsIt.org.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover a cat’s broken leg?
The veterinary costs associated with a broken leg, including diagnostics, treatment, and medications are eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the injury did not occur prior to policy coverage or during waiting periods.
Cancer
How much does cancer treatment cost for cats?
There are many different types of cancer, as well as varying degrees of necessary treatment depending on the severity, so there is no one-size-fits-all cost for cancer treatment for cats. However, according to Healthy Paws’ 2019 Cost of Care report, a full course of cancer treatment can cost up to $11,643. A cost of this amount would likely include all the diagnostics required as well as multiple modes of cancer treatment, such as surgery, radiation, chemo, and/or a combi-nation. “For a standard cat with Lymphoma (the most common type of feline cancer) it is less common to see the price get this high, as it is in many cases a chemo-only treatment protocol, which would be about $5000,” states Zac Pilossoph, DVM, consulting veterinarian.
Is cancer in cats covered by pet insurance?
The costs of veterinary care for cancer, including diagnostics, treatment, and medications are eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the condition is not pre-existing to policy coverage. Learn more about pre-existing conditions.
Conjunctivitis
What is conjunctivitis in cats and dogs?
In dogs and cats, conjunctivitis is inflammation (also known as pink eye) in one or both eyes. It can be caused by an infection or environmental irritants like dust or allergens.
What is the vet cost to treat conjunctivitis in cats and dogs?
After examination, your veterinarian may prescribe an eyewash to help flush your pet’s eye. This can cost around $15, according to Canine Journal. If an infection is present, the veterinarian may also prescribe antibiotics and pain medication.
Dental Cleaning
How much does a teeth cleaning cost for dogs and cats?
Dental cleanings require the pet to be put under anesthesia. Costs for a dental cleaning vary based on location, but may range from $500 to $1,000, according to HomeGuide. For cats, it ranges from $500-$600. If extractions are necessary, there would be an additional cost.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover dental cleanings?
The Healthy Paws pet insurance plan does not cover routine dental health care required to maintain the dental hygiene of your pet, such as brushing and veteri-nary dental cleanings.
Ear Infections
How much does treatment cost for dog and cat ear infections?
Depending on each individual case, the cost to treat a dog or cat ear infection will vary greatly, but can initially cost $100 to $300, according to Dr. Zac Pilossoph*.
What is the vet cost to treat a cat ear infection?
Generally, the cost to treat a cat’s ear infection costs around $50-150, depending on what ear medication and ear flush were chosen after the cytology sampling was done, according to Dr. Zac Pilossoph*.
Are ear infections covered by pet insurance?
Veterinary care for an ear infection is eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan as long as the condition is not pre-existing to policy coverage. Learn more about pre-existing conditions.
Ear Mites
How much do vets charge for ear mites in cats?
To confirm the presence of ear mites, your veterinarian will conduct an ear cytology, which usually costs between $25 to $40. Ear mite treatment costs around $10, according to PetCoach.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover ear mites in cats?
The veterinary costs associated with ear mites, including diagnostics, treatment and medications are eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan as long as signs and symptoms of the condition were not noted prior to enrollment or during the applicable waiting period.
Pancreatitis
What is pancreatitis in cats?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. In more severe cases, digestive enzymes spill into the body cavity, which can cause damage to internal organs. Pancreatitis can be an acute or chronic condition.
How much does pancreatitis treatment for cats cost?
The cost to treat feline pancreatitis varies greatly based on the severity of the condition, but may range from $400 to $2000+, according to Dr. Zac Pilossoph*. Pancreatitis treatment may require hospitalization for up to several days, requiring additional medication and support.
Is cat pancreatitis covered by pet insurance?
Pancreatitis is eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the condition is not pre-existing to policy coverage, meaning the signs and symptoms of pancreatitis first manifested after enrolling and after any applicable waiting periods.
UTIs and FLUTD
What is FLUTD in cats?
FLUTD stands for feline lower urinary tract disease and describes a variety of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra of cats. Learn more about FLUTD.
What is a cat UTI?
UTIs, or urinary tract infections, can be common in cats and are defined as a bacterial infection that spreads from the urethra into the bladder. A UTI can cause pain, frequent urination or inability to urinate, blood in the urine, and other uncomfortable signs in your cat that require immediate veterinary attention. In the worst-case scenario, the bacteria causing a UTI can spread up to the kidneys, producing a severe, painful and serious medical condition. Learn more about cat UTIs.
How much does it cost to take my cat to the vet for a UTI?
A suspected UTI will require various diagnostic tests; in most cases, the veterinarian will collect a urine sample and conduct a urine culture and sensitivity to determine what type of bacteria is causing the infection. Other diagnostics may include a urinalysis or even an ultrasound or X-ray. Upon diagnosis, your veterinarian may prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics, which can cost around $300, according to PetCoach.
How much does FLUTD treatment cost?
FLUTD will require various diagnostic tests, which may include collecting a urine sample, an ultrasound or X-ray. Often, several types of diagnostics are needed to rule out a UTI, urinary stones, and cancer, since the symptoms can all look similar. Upon diagnosis, your veterinarian may prescribe pain relievers, anti-anxiety medications, or a special diet, which can cost $300, according to PetCoach. If the FLUTD caused the cat to become blocked, then there is an unblocking procedure, hospitalization for at least 3 days with fluids and urinary catheter in place, bloodwork and other supportive care as needed. The costs for treating a blocked cat can be $2000-$2500. Surgery may be necessary to remove bladder stones or blockages, which can cost $1,800-$3,000. according to Dr. Zac Pilossoph*.
Does the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan cover cat UTIs?
The costs of veterinary treatment for cat UTIs are eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan if the condition is not pre-existing to policy coverage. Please note that behavioral medications, pet food and prescription diets are not eligible for coverage by the Healthy Paws plan. Learn more about pre-existing conditions.
Get an instant quote now and take the first step to protect your furry best friend.