10 Most Expensive Pet Health Problems

VPI, a provider of pet health insurance, tallied its claims from 2010 and made a list of those requiring more than $1,000 for treatment.

Here’s the top ten most expensive pet  health issues:

1. Torn knee ligament/cartilage

Number of claims: 6,831
Average cost per claim: $1,578

2. Intestinal – foreign object

Number of claims: 1,005
Average cost per claim: $1,967

3. Stomach – foreign object

Number of claims: 954
Average cost per claim: $1,502

4. Intervertebral disc disease

Number of claims: 879
Average cost per claim: $3,282

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5. Stomach torsion/bloat

Number of claims: 372
Average cost per claim: $2,509

6. Broken leg (plate)

Number of claims: 350
Average cost per claim: $1,586

7. Laryngeal paralysis

Number of claims: 126
Average cost per claim: $2,042

8. Tumor of the throat

Number of claims: 124
Average cost per claim: $1,677

9. Ear canal surgery

Number of claims: 104
Average cost per claim: $1,285

10. Ruptured bile duct

Number of claims: 102
Average cost per claim: $2,245

“Pet owners should be aware that these $1,000 accidents and illnesses can happen to just about any pet – indoor, outdoor, young or old,” says Dr. Carol McConnell, VPI’s vice president and chief veterinary medical officer. “Though the cost of care for these conditions may be high, the prognosis is usually positive, and many of the pets that are treated will recover.”