People allergic to pets may be surprised to learn that pets too can suffer their (un)fair share of allergies. Topping the list of medical conditions that affect both people and pets, allergies are one of many pet illnesses often mistakenly considered exclusive to humans. A recent study by a pet health insurance firm in the USA examined its 2008 medical claims data to determine the top 10 “human” conditions that also plague pets:

1. Allergies – In 2008, VPI received 63,761 claims for skin allergies.
Allergic reactions in pets can result from flea bite saliva, the pollen
of nearby plants or foods that pets eat. Treatment for pets is
relatively the same as it is for people: control the pet’s exposure to
allergens (in the environment or to certain foods), administration of
antihistamines, and, in severe cases, administration of
anti-inflammatory medications.

2. Bladder infection – 23,915 claims received. The symptoms of a bladder
infection, or bacterial cystitis, can be difficult to recognize in
pets. Don’t assume all “accidents” in the house or a pet’s frequent
urination pattern is simply a behavioral issue. There could be medical
basis to a pet’s change in urinary habits. It is important to never
ignore a pet that appears to be experiencing painful or difficult
urination.

3. Arthritis – 19,537 claims received. The aging process occurs more
rapidly in pets and has many of the same effects on pets as it does on
humans. Arthritis, or degenerative joint disease, most often results
from a lifetime of wear and can cause pain or decreased joint movement.
Pets suffering from arthritis may need anti-inflammatory medications
and/or pet specific pain relievers for their arthritis. (Note: never
give a pet a human drug or pain reliever, since these can be toxic to
pets.)

4. Diabetes – 8,590 claims received. As with humans, diabetes requires
daily management of the disease and a combination of treatment
involving weight control, specially timed meals, insulin injections
and/or oral medications.

5. Skin Cancer – 2,114 claims received. It would be easy to think that
with hair usually covering the majority of their bodies, pets don’t
have to worry about skin cancer. Unfortunately, the three most common
skin cancers in humans also occur in pets. Areas of skin that are white
or pink on a pet’s coat are particularly susceptible to sunburn which,
with long-term exposure, can lead to skin cancer. As such, it is
important to monitor the skin of pets with white ear tips, pink noses,
etc.

6. Gum Disease – 1,748 claims received. Pets have a disadvantage compared
to people in the dental category. Food particles tend to gather in the
corners of their mouth after a meal, so tooth brushing and regular
checkups are necessary. Without tooth brushing the pet is susceptible
to the potentially harmful effects of excessive plaque buildup on the
tooth’s surface. The plaque harbors bacteria, which easily invade the
adjacent gum lining, leading to gum recession and gum disease.

7. Acne – 705 claims received. Acne in dogs and cats affects the chin and
lips. While dogs often outgrow the condition, cats are more likely to
suffer lifelong breakouts. Most pets are not bothered by the condition,
but in severe cases, the affected areas may become painful or itchy.
Topical medications may be prescribed by a veterinarian to relieve the
pet’s discomfort.

8. Stomach Ulcers – 584 claims received. Ulcers in pets can be caused by
drugs, cancer, kidney or liver disease, pancreatitis, inflammatory
bowel disease or chronic stomach inflammation. Pets with stomach ulcers
may vomit or display abdominal discomfort.

9. Cataracts – 495 claims received. 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. Like humans, surgery may be required to remove
the affected lens or lenses.

10. Laryngitis – 382 claims received. Dogs and cats can bark or meow for
hours upon hours, but every so often, one will lose his voice. The
cause may be an upper respiratory tract infection, irritation due to
an inhalant, or just excessive vocalization. An inflamed larynx will
cause vocal difficulty. Fortunately, it is rarely serious.

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