My dog has limb issues. Will pet insurance cover related problems?

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This is most certainly a congenital problem, essentially a birth defect. Whether there are any treatments depends on how severe the problem is, does it involve all the long bones in the legs, it this mainly a problem with joint & tendon laxity, or are certain structures underdeveloped or missing all together. X-rays are imperative. Depending on what is seen, & how much time & money you wish to spend on this poor little guy would determine a treatment plan. Surgery may be an option, but leg braces & splints may be appropriate, too. In the short term, he will probably do fine, but with time & age, he may be very prone to developing abrasions & pressure sores, & most likely arthritis. If you decide to adopt this sweet guy, go in with the anticipation of higher than normal care costs, & unexpected problems that can arise. A special needs pet needs a very special owner. Thank you for considering adoption. Take care.

Hello, sorry to hear about Mollie. There are multiple causes of pain and lameness in the front legs. One of which includes inflammation of the biceps tendon, most often diagnosed with an ultrasound. Elbow dysplasia which can be composed by 3 different disease processes (elbow incongruity, fragmented medical coronoid process, and ununited anconeal process) which is diagnosed with a CT scan. And any injuries to the wrist or toes often seen with x-rays. Most of these can be treated first with medical management, strict rest, and occasionally a splint or bandage. However, of this is not working for Mollie, then she may need to see an orthopedic surgeon to determine if surgery is necessary. At that time, depending on what the findings of the orthopedic exam are, you may be faced with having to do additional diagnostics. Unfortunately, your insurance may or may not cover these. Speak with your veterinarian about adding more pain medications or considering a referral to an orthopedic surgeon if deemed appropriate. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Hello. Without x-rays it is impossible to know what is actually going on in the paw. It is difficult to say if this will bother her more as she matures, but you really do not have too many options. Perhaps a surgery to fuse & stabilize the paw may be helpful, but will not eliminate all pain & discomfort & you certainly would not amputate the leg unless she began to self-mutilate the paw. So, unless you can have the paw x-rayed, I would take a wait & see how she does. If she over does it when you play with her, then make sure she rests the leg. Otherwise, I would try to avoid pain relieves in such a young dog. Perhaps, once her bones are finished growing & maturing, she may actually do quite well. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

At his age, Danny is likely done growing. Having a valgas deformity will predispose him to developing arthritis or other joint issues later in life, but should not affect his lifespan. There are treatment options you can discuss with your veterinarian or a veterinary orthopedic specialist.

The best food is likely going to be Hill's j/d prescription diet. The biggest issue with dogs that have these deformities is that they are more susceptible to getting arthritis. Hill's j/d has supplements and added nutrients to help with arthritis and is good for controlling weight (a crucial part of preventing arthritis). I hope that helps and all is well with Opie.

Hello, and thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear about Devon's nails. The problem could be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, mites, or an immune-mediated disorder. Some insurance companies will cover the examination cost, but not all. I would give Petplan a call to find out. When you do take Devon to the vet, they may recommend a cytology test to examine the nail bed for signs of infection. They can prescribe antibiotics if they suspect a bacterial infection, and anti-inflammatory meds to help with pain and inflammation. In the meantime, you could try soaking his feet in a shallow bath of epsom salts (diluted in lukewarm water), for 10 minutes a day, which may help to temporarily relieve inflammation as well. I hope this helps, and that Devon feels better soon!

It looks like Charlie could have some carpal valgus, usually due to a joint deformity that causes bowing of the front legs. There is an increased risk for arthritis in dogs with joint valgus, although some dogs go through their lives with no symptoms. I would watch for limping, stiffness, or reluctance to use stairs or jump which could signify pain due to arthritis. While there is no cure for arthritis the symptoms can be alleviated with pain medications and supplements. Continuing the glucosamine is a great idea, and I would recommend trying to keep Charlie pretty lean since being overweight can make joint issues worse.