Top 2008 Health Conditions. Ever since scientists unraveled the dog’s DNA or genetic code and found it to be quite similar to human DNA, research into medical conditions and treatments for people and pets has been on the rise. Recent results from a 2008 survey revealed that the leading medical conditions affecting people, mimic the top conditions plaguing pets. Allergies, for example rank number one for people and pets. In the past, many mistakenly considered allergies to be exclusive to humans. The signs of an allergy differ between the two species. Allergic people primarily sneeze and may also get runny eyes whereas itching is usually the primary sign of allergies in pets and some may also be affected with runny eyes. The end result for both is the same and requires treatment for relief.
- Allergies topped the list. In 2008, there were 63,761 claims made for pet skin allergies. Allergic reactions in pets can result from various agents that are called allergens, including flea saliva, pollen, grasses and/or various foods. Treatment options for pets are similar in principle to those for people. It involves controlling the pet’s exposure to allergens,in the environment and/or to certain foods, stopping the itching, sneezing and/or runny eyes and boosting internal immunity.
- Urinary Tract Infections came in second, resulting in 23,915 claims. Signs of a urinary bladder infection, which is referred to as bacterial cystitis, generally include urinating small amounts frequently. The urine may or may not contain blood and/or “sand.” It is important for pet owners not to assume that all “accidents” in your home are behavioral in nature. This is especially true with cats. Medical problems, including Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS) also lead to changes in a cats pattern of urination. For male cats, FUS can be a true life and death emergency. Once an intact or non-neutered male cat is blocked and therefore not able to urinate, they have approximately 24 to 72 hours to relieve themselves. If they are not unblocked within that time frame, the heart can stops and death will ensues due to absorption of excess potassium normally eliminated in the urine.
- Arthritis ranks third with 19,537 claims received. Since pets age 7 times faster than people, signs of aging occur more rapidly in pets, although the consequences of aging are similar for both. Arthritis, which is also called degenerative joint disease, does result from everyday wear and tear, however being overweight adds excess load or stress to the joints and is a major factor in arthritis for people and pets. Losing excess weight alone will relieve arthritic pain effectively in over 50 percent of cases and avoid the need for expensive surgeries, including hip replacements. Prescription medications used to relieve arthritis pain and promote mobility are numerous and many carry severe health risks, such as Rimadyl, Deramaxx and Tramidol. Natural pet arthritis alternatives that are most effective, in this veterinarians experience include various combination’s of Glucosamine, MSM, Chondroitan Sulfate, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid. Stem cell therapy is a new treatment option for pets that is quite costly but is proving to be an effective alternative for some pets.
- Diabetes claims ranked fourth. Daily management of diet and weight with or without injectable or an oral insulin substitute are required for people and pets. Natural alternatives effective for people and pets may include weight management, regular scheduled meals and natural vitamin supplements like Paaws and VitaLife that also include the nutrients Chromium Picolinate and Vanadium. The later two nutrients are very effective to help to stabilize and maintain normal blood sugar (glucose) levels. In Europe they are actually used to treat diabetes.
- Skin Cancer came in at number five. Although one might not think this is an issue for pets, dogs and cats with white skin are very prone.The three most common skin cancers in people also occur in pets. The areas of skin that are white or pink on a pet’s hair coat are highly susceptible to sunburn which, with long-term exposure, can lead to skin cancer. Be sure to keep an eye on your pets sun sensitive areas including the tip of the tail, the ears nose and toes. Using sunblock and covering light skinned areas with reflective clothes are cost effective measures to help protect your pet from excess sun exposure and cancer.
- Dental Disease were responsible for 1,748 claims and came in sixth. Pets are slightly at a disadvantage compared to people in this area. Food particles tend to gather in the corners of the mouth after a meal, so daily brushing and regular checkups are helpful. Dental disease predisposes pets and people to the harmful effects of excessive plaque and bacteria, which can lead to heart disease, behavioral changes and appetite loss, along with the pain and discomfort of a bad tooth.
- Acne was responsible for 705 claims. Acne in both dogs and cats affects the chin and lips. While dogs usually outgrow the condition, cats with acne often suffer with lifelong breakouts. In severe cases, such as the feline Acne on the cat’s chin in the photograph to the left, the affected area becomes red, raw and itch. Various anti-inflammatory medications usually relieve the signs.
- Stomach Ulcers resulted in 584 claims received. Ulcers in pets can be caused by drugs, cancer, kidney or liver disease, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or chronic stomach inflammation. Pets with stomach ulcers often vomit, have diarrhea, are finicky about eating and/or show signs of abdominal pain. Relief is achieved with products to coat the stomach lining such as Sulcrafate or the natural substitute Mastica, diet control and vitamin supplements to boost immunity and balance the body including VitaLife and Paaws.
- Cataracts came in ninth and received 495 claims. A cataract is a change in the transparency of lens in the eye. An opaque lens blocks light from reaching the retina and may cause a partial or complete loss of vision. Cataracts in pets may be caused by diabetes, malnutrition, radiation, inflammation, or trauma. As with people, surgery may be required to remove and/or replace the affected lens or lenses.
- Laryngitis received 382 claims and came in at number ten. Dogs and cats can bark or meow for hours upon hours, but every so often, a pet loses his or her bark or meow. Causes include upper respiratory tract viruses, especially common in cats with herpes virus, inhaled allergens causing irritation or just excessive vocalization. Most cases are self limiting and rarely serious.