SUBWAY CONFESSIONS OF
Daisy’s Pet Insurance Pays Off A Quill Quandary Overcome
Before I say anything else, I assure my faithful feline, dog, and human readers that I’m okay.
Owning a pet can bring us joy, love, and endless fun. They can brighten our day, make us laugh, and help us feel less alone. Pets can also be frustrating and a lot of work, especially when the unexpected happens.
Remember a few issues ago when I mentioned that cats can be coy in letting their guardians know when something’s wrong? Well, about that …
Recently, I was diagnosed with kidney disease and heart disease during a preoperative exam before getting my teeth cleaned.
Unexpected events can cause extra time, increased medical expenses, and additional financial obligations.
The news made my whiskers wilt, but it was also a big surprise to my owner, Petersen Pet Hospital’s own Dr. Saunders. Truth be told, I hadn’t been feeling 100% for a while, but … you know, cats hide things a little too well sometimes. You see, cats evolved as both predators and prey, so we have a natural tendency to hide our pain from others. We’re so good at putting on a brave face that even the most diligent pet owner, like Dr. Saunders, may not immediately notice our distress without proper testing and regular vet visits. We’re not
Unforeseen situations, such as when our pet eats a foreign object that gets stuck in their intestines and requires surgery, when they receive a diagnosis that involves a lot of treatment and rechecks, or when they fall off the deck and break a leg, can create significant challenges.
Daisy’s story is one example of these situations. She is a 5-year-old Bernese mountain dog who lives with another 2-year-old Bernese mountain dog named Gracie. Daisy was in Michigan with her family when
she and Gracie unknowingly stumbled upon a porcupine while running ahead on a hike. Their owner heard a commotion
and came upon the dogs with porcupine quills in their faces. The dogs were taken to the closest veterinary clinic, where the visible quills were removed. But for both dogs, this was not the end, especially for Daisy. Daisy had multiple trips to Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine for advanced imaging to search for quill pieces. She had many delicate surgeries performed to remove these pieces, many of which were located on her face, lips, mouth, and around her eyes. She also had a trip to Colorado
State University College of Veterinary Medicine for additional ophthalmology and surgery opinions.
Weeks later, she continues to have quill pieces migrate out of their hiding places, and they are being pulled out at home and here at Petersen Pet Hospital. All these visits take
time and money. Daisy’s owner had previously purchased pet insurance for her, so all these trips have been much more manageable, knowing there wouldn’t be a substantial financial burden. Pet insurance is a valuable investment that helps provide veterinary care when unexpected expenses arise. It’s best to get insurance when your pet is young so there aren’t any preexisting conditions that will not be covered. Let us know if you have any questions about pet insurance, and we’d be happy to guide you to some resources.
—Dr. Sarah Young
Contact us! 319-743-0554
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