Pet Insurance and Animal Cancer

Finding out that a beloved pet has cancer can be just as difficult as if it were a friend or family member - even if you have pet insurance.

Pet owners should know about the following options so the pet can get treatment as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to research and purchase a pet insurance policy for your pet early on, before the onset of any conditions - as cancer treatments can be costly.

If you find a lump or bump on your cat or dog, especially one that slowly changes, it is important that you talk to your vet. Any lumps found on a cat should be examined immediately, as growths are not normal for felines. Keep in mind that fatty lumps are common on a dog’s trunk, and so a benign growth may not be cancer. However, if you discover anything unusual, be sure to schedule an appointment with your vet.

Because pets can have an array of symptoms associated with cancer, you may be wondering what does dog insurance cover? Be sure to contact your pet insurance company if you have questions about your dog or cat insurance plans.

If your vet confirms that your pet has cancer, you should find out what type of cancer it is because treatment options and pet insurance coverage may vary by company.

Treatment options

1. Aspiration and diagnosis of fatty lumps:
If a lump is discovered, it is important to determine whether it is cancerous. A fine needle aspirate of a mass can usually be performed on an outpatient visit and sedation isn’t necessary. If the lump is simply a fatty mass, vets will usually monitor it. If, however there is rapid growth or the lump is very large, surgery will probably be recommended.

2. Holistic options:
Some dog and cat insurance plans will offer partial coverage for holistic services such as acupuncture to reduce pain and improve the pet’s immune system. Your vet may also prescribe pain medications formulated specifically for animals.

3. Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy treatment can significantly extend the lives pets with cancer. If your vet doesn’t specialize in chemotherapy or surgeries, there are many cancer centers that offer these types of treatment. Chemotherapy can be especially effective on lymphoma-- one of the most common types of cancer in cats and dogs. Animals with chemotherapy generally have fewer side effects and less hair loss than humans.

If your pet is diagnosed with cancer, don’t get discouraged. New diagnostics are detecting animal cancer earlier, which can mean better success rates and fewer side effects for your pet.

View all Ashley Porter's articles

About the Author:
Pets Best Insurance was founded by Dr. Jack Stephens, founder of pet insurance in the U.S. It is one of the many pet insurance companies that offers excellent customer service and has a quick claim turnaround time. With Pets Best Insurance, you can focus on the health of your pet instead of worrying about the vet bill.