Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Flip

Original poster

pet insurance query?

16 replies

toastyarmadillo · 11/04/2015 05:03

A Good friend of mine is in the middle of a particularly messy divorce, one of the things her STBXH stopped paying was the pet insurance on their 12 year old terrier. She is a sahm now on benefits. The dog hasn't been covered for about 6 months. Unfortunately he's now unwell, whilst shes worried sick about him, she's also worried about taking him to the vets because of the potential cost.

He seems to be in pain as is crying and whinging a lot, he's bothering his back end and is producing black poops. I already checked his anal glands for her (and showed her for the future)

If she got pet insurance now (I could give her money for a couple of premiums but can't afford to help with a big vet bill), how long before she can use it? I told her she should take it out now regardless but she seems to think she won't be able to use the pet insurance for so many months? I hate the thought of the dog being not seen by a vet and potentially suffering for any kind of time.

I haven't ever had a gap in my pet insurance so don't have a clue, she's worried they will put him to sleep.

I would be grateful for any advice you can offer, thanks in advance.

OP posts:

Original poster

toastyarmadillo · 11/04/2015 05:05

Sorry I wasn't clear.....
It doesn't seem to be anal glands, I suspect some kind of internal bleeding (black poop thing) or a tumour possibly. But obviously I am not a vet.

OP posts:

BlueMoonRoses · 11/04/2015 05:07

Can she take him to the PDSA? Think she's right on the insurance. It's probably lapsed and she'd need a new policy which may not cover pre existing conditions. Poor soul.

Original poster

toastyarmadillo · 11/04/2015 06:14

I had a look at pdsa, I will get her to sign up for petaid which will help in the future, but in order to be accepted the dog has to be assessed by the participating vet ,checked and be healthy. Then the costs will be covered.

Because The dogs already ill, they don't seem to help in that situation, they state on the site that if the dogs already sick prior to pet aid cover being awarded then the owners liable for those costs.

OP posts:

CandyAppleFudge · 11/04/2015 06:21

Will the vet let her do a payment plan?

catzpyjamas · 11/04/2015 06:23

It's normally 28 days between insurance starting and making a claim but they can differ.
PDSA will usually see an already sick animal if your friend qualifies. She just needs to take proof of her benefits in. They probably have a Saturday morning surgery so phone them at 9am and explain. They are really helpful in our local branch.

LidlMermaid · 11/04/2015 06:28

There's usually a 14 day period from start of policy when you can't claim. Also, if the diagnosed condition is related to anything the dog was previously treated for prior to the start of the new policy, it is unlikely to be covered by any new policy.

Most vets offer payment plans though.

catzpyjamas · 11/04/2015 06:38

Sorry, yes it's 14 days for most treatment. Too early in morning
Try the PDSA as it won't hurt to ask. None of our local vets do payment plans.

basildonbond · 11/04/2015 07:37

I think she'd find it hard to get a new policy on a 12 year old dog which had anything like affordable premiums I'm afraid, plus it would not cover any problem related to anything the dog had already been treated for

Your friend cannot leave her dog untreated - if she's on benefits she is eligible for the PDSA - they won't be able to afford state of the art treatment but will ensure the dog is not in pain

Lonecatwithkitten · 11/04/2015 07:47

Her biggest issue is she needs to tell the vet accurately what has been going on and for how long. The insurance company ask the vet when did the condition first start on the form.
If she is truthful to the vet they will have to be truthful to the insurance company, but not explaining how long the symptoms have been going on can hinder diagnosis.
Honestly black poo means there is bleeding high up in the gut and this needs to be dealt with urgently and can be a bad sign.

Original poster

toastyarmadillo · 11/04/2015 08:16

I Will get her to ring our nearest pdsa vet this morning, thank you for the help guys. I will let you know what happens

OP posts:

catzpyjamas · 11/04/2015 08:37

Good luck!

WeAllHaveWings · 11/04/2015 15:18

Hope you managed to get the dog seen by a vet and its pain is now being appropriately managed. Keeping fingers crossed its a good outcome.

Original poster

toastyarmadillo · 14/04/2015 07:23

Hi, sorry it took ages to get back to you. I took them to the vet Saturday morning, I just couldn't leave it any longer. Vet says most likely a tummy bug or infection. Gave him a really good going over, now on special bland food diet they prescribed as well as antibiotics because his temperature was up. Under instruction that if he doesn't improve in 5 days to go back and to go back straight away if he doesn't drink or wee in a 12 hour period. She wondered if it could be leptospirosis but wants to try the antibiotics first. So cost me just £54 (she's paying me back with babysitting) and with any luck once he's healthy again they will take him on pdsa petaid.

OP posts:

Original poster

toastyarmadillo · 14/04/2015 07:25

Ooh almost forgot anti inflammatorys as well

OP posts:

catzpyjamas · 14/04/2015 07:50

Thanks for the update. Hope he's all better soon.

SunshineAndShadows · 14/04/2015 07:57

Definitely get her registered at PDSA - I work for them occasionally and they absolutely will see him even if sick. She just needs proof of housing benefit/income support. If you have a nearby PDSA hospital then the range of therapy they offer is quite extensive.

Flip