Most Performed Pet Surgeries According to Insurance Claims

Pet owners wish that their pet’s only visits to veterinarians are for regular exams. It’s quite frustrating to hear your vets giving your pet recommendations to surgeons. While waiting for the surgeon to see your anxious pet, have you ever wondered what brings the other pet owners and their pets to the surgeon’s office?

Although more insurance policyholders filed cancer claims in the past, the surgical procedures being performed in operation theaters remain practically the same in the last few years.

Data According to Insurance Claims

The nationwide data hasn’t changed much since the last five years. Several of the most usual medical concerns in pets include skin allergies, urinary tract infections (UTI), ear and eye problems, etc. 

Most serious problems are avoidable with comprehensive care, that’s why pets should have routine visits to reputable vet clinics, or you may visit their website to learn more about their services.

When some preventable ailments do not have early detections, it typically results in severe cases that require surgical treatments. According to insurance claims data, most veterinarians perform surgical procedures on canines and felines at least a few times a week.

Most Common Elective Surgeries

Pet owners request most elective surgical procedures to benefit their cat or dog. These surgical treatments are generally related to spaying or removing the uterus and ovaries of a female pet; and neutering or removing testicles in a male pet. Minor surgical procedures might also consist of removing lumps or tumors of the skin.

Most Common Required Surgeries

Although these surgical procedures do not need to be performed immediately, they need to be done to maintain a pet’s quality of life. For dogs, the most typical required surgery is ACL repair. This surgical procedure is performed to repair a torn cranial cruciate ligament in the knee. This treatment has been the bread and butter of most vet surgeons and makes up as high as 85% of canines’ orthopedic surgical procedures.

For cats, dental treatments are one of the most common. Cat tooth extraction is needed, specifically during an advanced stage of periodontal disease. It may lead to bone infections and tooth abscesses if not treated immediately, 

In addition to tooth extractions, some factors your cat might need for surgical treatment include repairing oral defects, removing growths, or alleviating discomfort. Book a dental visit for your cat with board-certified dental professionals like a veterinary dentist in Arlington, WA.

Exploratory laparotomy that requires open access to the abdominal area is typically a needed surgical treatment for both canines and felines. A vet surgeon does this surgical treatment to find the source of the problems that diagnostic testing can not find. It is additionally used during an abdominal injury in emergency cases.

Conclusion

There’s a possible risk involved in procedures, as there is risk involved when surgery is not done. The family pet owner has to discuss with the surgeon all the factors to be thought about; to come up with a decision that would be in the best interest of the pet animal.

Factors for consideration consist of age and general health condition of the patient, recuperation time, and post-op care. The pet owner has to consider all the possible outcomes if he continues or defers the treatment. Making an informed, ethical, and compassionate decision will be a lot easier if due diligence is done.