Top 10 Reasons for Veterinary Visits by Dogs
June 20th, 2007 by 
Barbara
On 21th May 2007, the oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance in the US, Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), published the top 10 reasons why dog owners visit a vet. This list is based on the medical claims that were received in 2006. Between brackets you also find the position of last year (2005’s claims).
- Skin allergies [1]
- Ear infections [2]
- Stomach upsets [3]
- Urinary tract infections [new]
- Benign tumors [5]
- Pyoderma (hot spots/bacterial skin infections) [new]
- Sprains (result of over-extension or flexion of a muscle-tendon unit or ligament) [7]
- Osteo-arthritis [6]
- Enteritis (diarrhea) first appeared in the top 10 last year [9]
- Eye infections [8]
New in this list (compared to last year) is the addition of pyoderma. When your dog’s skin is irritated (due to for instance an allergic reaction to flea bites, grass or carpet) he may lick and chew on it until it creates a wound. This is then called ‘pyoderma’.
Disappeared out of the top 10: Bladder infections and hypothyroidism. Shifts in the top 10 can be explained by a host of reasons, from a dog’s age or genetics to its nutrition or environment.
Each condition listed in this top 10 benefits from early treatment, so early detection by you, as a dog owner, is crucial. the 10 step dog health check list helps you performing a routinely inspection of your furry family member.
Posted in Barbara's Notes | 