One Less Worry - Somerset Magazine, Novemeber 2014 Issue

 

More than once, I have been accused of worrying too much about my pets’ wellbeing but, in my defense, my pack has had some unusual health conditions.  Ethel (A herding dog heritage, To breed or not to breed) was crippled not once, but twice; first, by the parasite Neospora caninum and, second, by severe bilateral hip dysplasia that necessitated total hip replacement at an early age.  Calley succumbed to a rare presentation of lymphoma (A gift of love), Truman passed this summer after battling an uncommon neurological condition and, at the tender age of three months, Daisy (The pitter patter of puppy feet) was diagnosed with ameloblastoma (cancer of the enamel of her baby teeth).

On the ride home from VA that first day, I discovered a lump on her jaw.  At first, my vet and I believed it to be a swelling related to teething.  When the inflammation did not react to antibiotics, we began to suspect a cyst.  After radiographs were read by a veterinary dentist, we were referred to a surgeon diplomat and I found myself driving Miss Daisy to Pittsburgh for the first of two surgeries.  Thankfully, her second biopsy shows that the princess is now cancer free. 

Another odd thing about Daisy is that she grew long hair.  She comes from a long line of champion Rottweilers and her parents were screened for all the genetic conditions common to the breed.  I suppose this just goes to show that, no matter how carefully we plan, nature can still surprise us.  While we think she is the most beautiful girl in the breed, she can never enter the show ring, because a long coat is a disqualifying trait in conformation competition.

Daisy’s breeder is a kind and honorable woman.  When she learned of our tribulations, she gifted me a second pup.  The young prince’s name is Horatio and he has turned the Lindeman household into quite the whirling dervish.  Both Ethel and Daisy (not to mention the man of the house) are quite smitten with him.  They sleep, romp, and play together in almost perfect harmony.  Note the word: almost. 

While both girls tolerate Horatio’s puppy teeth, shrill bark, and almost perpetual motion, Daisy refuses to share food (or anything she perceives as edible) with the new addition.  In the first seven days of their cohabitation, she has engulfed hooves, rawhides, a stolen pork chop (bone included) and, two days ago, a number of metal rings designed to attach tags to collars.

Of course, I worried about her digestion and her comfort as she completed the process.  I worried about internal bleeding, pancreatitis, and her mental health.  There are two things, however, that I didn’t worry about: her care and how I would pay for it.  We are blessed to have an incredible veterinary team and I am grateful that I had the foresight to purchase veterinary pet insurance.

While there are limitations to any policy (for instance, preexisting or preventable genetic conditions like Daisy’s cancer or Ethel’s hip dysplasia), I am truly impressed with the benefits we receive.  The costs of Calley’s chemotherapy and supportive therapies were nearly 100% reimbursed.  Ethel’s chronic conditions are covered.  Daisy’s treatment for enteritis (a.k.a. garbage gut) will be paid in full after our deductible.  Horatio’s wellness rider allows for semiannual checkups, vaccines, parasite preventatives, wellness screenings, dental cleanings, and even toenail trims.  There are numerous reputable companies to choose from and levels of coverage to fit almost any budget.  I encourage each pet owner to consider a policy of your own so that you, too, have one less thing to worry about.

(Rebecca is the president and executive director of The Ethel Fund Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing assistance to family pets in times of catastrophic veterinary need.  To learn more, please visit www.ethelfund.org or www.facebook.com/The EthelFund.  You may contact Rebecca at rslindeman@ethelfund.org.)