Pet Insurance - Covering the Cost of Malignant Melanomas

If your dog develops a malignant melanoma, your pet insurance should cover the insured costs of treatment. Some pet insurance policies will also reimburse insurable travel expenses if you need to visit a specialist.

UK pet insurance offers different levels of cover, so if you compare pet insurance online, it's worth taking an in-depth look at the policy documents. The cheapest insurance does not always offer the most extensive cover and if your pet becomes seriously ill you could find that your pet insurance is limited.

Malignant melanomas are one reason to take out pet insurance, as some dogs are more likely to develop malignant melanomas than others. The condition seems to be most prevalent in male dogs and dogs with black coats. Middle aged and older dogs (usually between the ages of nine and twelve) are also more at risk.

Some breeds also seem to have a genetic predisposition to malignant melanomas. Poodles, dachshunds, and golden retrievers are more likely to develop melanomas in the mouth whilst Scottish terriers, Boston terriers, Airedale's, cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, Irish setters, Irish terriers, chow chows, Chihuahuas and Doberman's are most often affected by this condition on their skin and toes.

It is worth being especially vigilant if your dog fits into one or more of these categories, especially as oral malignant melanomas are quite common; in fact they account for 30-40% of all malignant tumours in dogs.[1] Dog's suffering from this condition can present a variety of symptoms including bad breath, facial swelling and loss of appetite. They often drool excessively and occasionally bleed from the mouth.

If your dog shows clinical signs of an illness, it is best to arrange for a vet to examine and treat your pet as soon as possible. If you delay a veterinary examination you can jeopardise the terms of your pet insurance policy.

If your vet is able to confirm the presence of a malignant melanoma they may refer you to a national specialist. Your pet insurance may be able to cover your travel as well as your healthcare expenses. In fact, some pet insurance policies pay up to 150 in any period of insurance for travel and accommodation expenses if your usual vet recommends another vet to treat your pet, and you have to make a long journey.

Reputable pet insurance should be able to protect you financially if your pet develops a malignant melanoma, allowing you to focus on your dog's wellbeing. With early treatment and a bit of good luck your pet should make a full recovery to good health.

Covering The Cost Of Bathing, Grooming Or De-Matting Your Pet

Your cat will need regular grooming to ensure their coat stays in good condition, however you may find that the cost of bathing, grooming or de-matting your pet is not covered by your pet insurance.

Cats love to groom themselves, and will often spend hours preening and cleaning their fur. Cats even have small hooks on their tongue which are especially designed to preen their fur and keep themselves clean.[1]

At times, however, your cat's coat may get into such a state that no amount of preening will resolve the situation. You will want your cat to look good and feel good - but it is worth knowing that bathing, grooming or de-matting your cat's coat is not usually covered by pet insurance unless a vet has confirmed that only a vet or a member of a veterinary practice can bathe or groom the cat. You will usually find that this insurance condition is in place regardless of your personal circumstances.

Since your cat's grooming or de-matting isn't covered by your pet insurance, you should keep an eye on your cat's coat to ensure that it doesn't get into knots or become matted in the first place. If you regularly stroke your cat all over, you will not only make him or her purr with delight, but you will be able to monitor the fur's general condition on a regular basis. If a knot begins to form, you will detect it earlier and be able to comb it out before it gets too bad.

Not all breeds need the same level of attention for their coats; longhaired cats usually require a lot more grooming and bathing as their fur tends to get matted more easily. You may find your longhaired cat even requires daily grooming with a steel comb to keep the coat in order. Shorthaired cats on the other hand may only require the occasional brush through with a fine-toothed metal comb to remove dead hairs and keep their fur looking good. If you're not sure what kind of attention your cat might need for grooming, then you can always ask the shop or breeder where you bought the cat, or just ask your vet.

The RSPCA recommends that cat owners ensure their cat's coat is kept in good condition by grooming it regularly. Even though grooming isn't covered on your insurance, you should still take responsibility for it as a loving cat owner.

[1] - rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/pets/cats/factfile