Top 10 Most Unusual Pet Insurance Claims

Pets need pet health insurance, not only for the most common ailments but also for some of the most extraordinary events. To demonstrate that fact, Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) combed through its claims to find the top 10 most unusual claims. Fortunately for these pets, their owners had purchased pet insurance policies.

Case #1: Chilly Dog

With guests on the way and meal preparation in high gear, no one noticed Rex, the wily Yorkshire terrier, climb into the refrigerator (perhaps disguised as Yorkshire pudding). By the time he was discovered, the well-chilled pooch had managed to nosh half the family's holiday ham. Diagnosis: Pancreatitis from overindulgence; hypothermia from excess refrigeration.

Case #2: Dream Kitty

Think you have wild dreams? Stuffie, a Himalayan cat, was catnapping on a window ledge when she suddenly awoke and jumped straight up in the air.

Too straight, unfortunately, because as gravity kicked in and she hurtled down to the floor, her back paws smacked against the ledge. Diagnosis: Two broken paws. Recommendation: No more catnip before bedtime.

Case #3: Pane and Suffering

What's a dog to do? Cora, an Alaskan malamute, was walking along minding her own business, when she saw a cat sunning itself in a house window. To any normal, red-blooded American pup, this is an invitation to playtime. Diagnosis: Severe lacerations from crashing through the window.

Case #4: Nailed

Enu, a Yorkshire terrier, took "sleeping at the feet of his master" a step too far when he climbed into his owner's work boot for a little snooze. Not realizing his puppy was in there, the owner tried to pull on his boot. Diagnosis: Scratched cornea from owner's toenail.

Case #5: Stick-to-it-tiveness

While chasing a rabbit through the desert, one determined border collie named Jesse zigged when he should have zagged. Diagnosis: Severe lacerations on nose, face and body from an encounter of the cactus kind.

Case #6: Getting a Seasonal Glow

Every year, a brightly lit tree stands in the living room. And those electrical cords from the strings of lights are mighty tempting to dogs and cats alike. But curiosity nearly got the best of Honey. The orange Tabby's shocking discovery nearly dimmed everyone's holiday. Diagnosis: Severe burns. Near diagnosis: Electrocution.

Case #7: One Tough Chew

Cabot, the Beagle wasn't sure: Was it a chew toy or was it a rawhide? Neither. It was a metal pipe. Diagnosis: Broken jaw.

Case #8: Rear-ender

Chasing cats is normal for dogs. Chasing cats and running into cars is not. Tockey, the chocolate Laborador retriever was so focused on getting the neighbor's cat that he didn't notice a car coming down the street. Fortunately, the car stopped. Unfortunately, Tockey didn't. Diagnosis: Soft tissue trauma and multiple lacerations. Strong recommendation: Switch to fetching tennis balls in the back yard.

Case #9: It Was Raining Cats and Dogs

A New Yorker was walking little Snowflake one dark and stormy day when he slipped and fell right on top of bichon frise. Diagnosis: Broken leg (the dog). Severe remorse (the owner).

Case #10: Sheer Madness

Dogs insured by VPI have ingested a menu-long list of delicacies -- tinsel, prom dresses, golf balls, pagers, needles and thread, hearing aids, human medications, drywall, snail bait, anti-freeze and small flashlight batteries. But Max the Italian greyhound hit a snag when he ate an entire pair of pantyhose (taupe, control top, reinforced toe, tall). Diagnosis: Gastrointestinal obstruction. Other likely, but ruled-out, diagnoses: Intestinal perforation, indigestion.

Claims Outcome

The cost of veterinary care submitted as claims in these cases ranged from $105 to $1,275 per incident. VPI was there to help with the treatment and surgery costs -- allowing veterinarians to perform immediate care, while providing financial relief to pet owners. Best of all, each of these pets has made a full recovery.

"The dogs and cats we share our homes with are intelligent, playful and sometimes obedient. But they're always mischievous," notes Stephens. "The fact is, most claims received are from pets doing what comes naturally."

VPI covers thousands medical conditions related to accidents and illnesses. "Pet owners can't possibly predict the predicaments their pets will get themselves into," Stephens adds, "but knowing their pet is protected provides peace of mind."

To learn more about veterinary pet insurance, visit Veterinary Pet Insurance.