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UK's Most Expensive Dog Treatments Revealed By Pet Insurance Experts
1 year ago 
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These are the most common types of claims for dogs based on claims made from January-September 2022:
Medical condition / Average claim payout
- Lameness £618.17
- Stomach upset (vomiting/diarrhoea) £260.37
- Vomiting £489.32
- Foreign body £477.64
- Ear infection £218.44
In 2022, the average claim for treating a dog wound was £300.11. Vets in cities and the South-East tend to charge more than vets in the rest of the country because their costs are higher.
Lameness is the most expensive medical condition to treat - the average claim will set you back £618.17. That figure might be much higher if the lameness is just an initial claim that’s part of a diagnosis for a more significant problem. For example, one of the most common problems associated with lameness is cruciate ligament disease. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia can also present as lameness - two other conditions that notoriously might need expensive surgeries.
ManyPets paid over 3,500 claims for cruciate ligament problems in dogs during 2021 and it’s a problem that’s not cheap to put right. Those 3,500 claims totalled over 4.5 million pounds, an average cost of £1,354.59 per claim. It is most common in Labradors, Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers.
Veterinary surgeon Dr. Chloe Bell explains that neutering dogs can also impact their claim expenses: " The risk of cruciate ligament problems is higher for females than males and the risk is increased in neutered dogs over those who are entire. Studies suggest that neutering breeds such as Labs and Golden Retrievers before the age of 12 months increases their risk of joint disease by four times. As these are breeds prone to cruciate rupture, delaying neutering until later might be advised. Discuss it with your vet to help you decide.”
The average claim for a skin condition or allergy is £260.37. It’s lower than some other medical issues because treatment may be less invasive but pets may need ongoing prescriptions, which can add up. ManyPets once dealt with a £2,000+ claim for a Labrador with acral lick dermatitis (Caused when dog becomes obsessed with licking the same area of its skin).
Vomiting and diarrhoea claims accounted for 7% of all dog claims in 2022 and the average cost of treatment is £489.32. German Shepherds and Labradors are most susceptible to these types of claims.
Vomiting was the most common type of pet insurance claim seen in cats and diarrhoea was the third most common. Vomiting was the second most common claim seen in dogs, while diarrhoea was the fourth most common overall.
Ear infection claims cost on average £218.44. While lower than many other conditions, ear infections can need ongoing treatment so owners are likely to make multiple claims - over 1,700 claims were made in 2022. Breeds with big floppy ears like Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels are most susceptible to ear infections. The below chart advises on how to identify if your dog has an ear infection:
The average claim for seizures is £477.64, but with a huge range of causes, from epilepsy to poisoning, an initial seizure claim could be just the start of a long road of diagnostics to get to the bottom of things. Seizures can happen when dogs ingest toxic food or plants such as daffodils, blue-green algae or mushrooms.
Dr. Chloe Bell advises on what to do if you think your dog ate a poisonous mushroom: "It's important to note that for some mushrooms the reaction can be nearly instant and for others, the effects can be delayed. Your dog could appear normal for around 12 hours post-ingestion before symptoms begin. The 'wait and see' approach is never advised. If you suspect your dog may have consumed a toxic mushroom, it's best to take immediate action. If you can, you should also re-walk the walk you took with your dog to look for clues of what they may have eaten.”
Original study data at the link below
https://manypets.com/uk/articles/cost-treating-dogs-most-common-medical-conditions/
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