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Diagnosis: Copper storage disease
Cost of Care: $12,982 | Reimbursed: $9,751
Groot is a 7-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback with an affectionate and curious personality who is loyal to his pet parent, Judy, and her husband.
“Although he is very attached to everyone in our family, he is absolutely devoted to my husband and is always by his side. He is definitely a lovable couch potato and fits right in with our retired lifestyle. He loves going camping with the family,” Judy said.
Groot was also very attached to his dog sibling Jayla, another Rhodesian Ridgeback, who recently died suddenly. Jayla would follow Groot everywhere, including to his vet visits, where he seemed to feel calmer when she was there.
Groot develops copper storage disease
About two years ago, during his annual well visit, Groot’s bloodwork showed high levels of an enzyme that indicated liver damage.
As they monitored him, the condition appeared to be getting worse, and the vet referred them to an internal specialist to determine the cause of his liver disease.
The specialist recommended a needle liver biopsy to try to determine the cause and treatment. Just the diagnosis was getting expensive – the biopsy started at around $2,200, and then there was more bloodwork and a urinalysis.
“Without our Healthy Paws insurance policy, we would not have been able to afford this necessary procedure to determine the cause of his failing liver,” Judy said.
The biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of copper storage disease, a genetic disorder that leads to an excessive accumulation of copper in the liver, which damages it. Judy said some breeds are more prone to develop it, but Ridgebacks are not one of them.
“We started medication treatments immediately. We were very fortunate to have caught this early, and he has responded favorably to his treatments over the last year. Initially, the monthly cost of his medications was in the $300-$400 range,” Judy said.
How is Groot doing now?
Now, about 18 months after his diagnosis, Groot’s blood work numbers are all in the normal range, and they have gradually reduced the medication dosages. He will, most likely, require a maintenance dose of medications and special diet from now on.
“He is not a picky eater, and for this, we are very grateful because it makes it much easier to administer the numerous daily medications, supplements and special foods that he now must take to keep him and, in particular, his liver, in good condition,” Judy said.
He was on a prescription diet for his liver, but Judy found a pet food developed by a veterinarian who had lost one of his dogs to copper storage disease. The vet saw the need for food that contained only natural sources of copper with no added supplements to compromise the livers of dogs predisposed to this condition, she said.
How Healthy Paws helped
Judy finds it much easier to budget a monthly cost for insurance than risk major unknown expenses. She researched many pet insurance plans and decided that Healthy Paws was the best fit.
Judy and Groot’s story is a testament to the importance of pet insurance, should a pet develop a chronic condition that requires long-term care.
“We are very grateful to have the Healthy Paws insurance policy that we signed up for when he was just a puppy. Without it, I doubt that this beloved family member would still be with us as his diagnosis and treatments would have not been affordable for us,” she said.
Judy said she’s been impressed with the speed of the claims processing, and whenever she has contacted Healthy Paws, the representatives have been extremely helpful and considerate.
“Based on my experiences with this insurance company, I feel comfortable recommending it to anyone who wants peace of mind by knowing that if something drastic should occur with their beloved fur baby, they are assured of compassionate and caring assistance with the financial responsibility of the medical diagnosis and treatments,” she said.
The claim scenarios described here are intended to show the types of situations that may result in claims. These scenarios should not be compared to any other claim. Whether or to what extent a particular loss is covered depends on the facts and circumstances of the loss, the terms and conditions of the policy as issued, and applicable law.
Insured persons providing testimonials in this report have not received compensation for their statements.
