Just like us humans, our canine companions for the most part are healthy, happy and full of fun. On the other hand, just like us humans, they can be affected by many of the same diseases and conditions as we are. Many of these diseases and conditions are thought to be diet related. While these diseases and conditions are mostly treatable, the costs of treatment can be prohibitive. This article will try to examine some of the most common canine diseases and conditions that are thought to be diet related and the cost of treatment. Obviously the costs can vary widely from location to location and from breed to breed, but hopefully this article will give you an idea of what can be hidden and very expensive costs of having a canine companion and how important it is to be cognizant of what is in your dog’s food.
1. OBESITY
- Diabetes- According to Trupanion, a pet insurance company, the actual cost of a claim for diabetes on one of their insured dogs was $10,496.00 for long-term medications and blood work.
- Arthritis- Can be caused by poor nutrition as well as exposure to fungui in foods and diabetes. Arthritis can cost from $200 to $2500 depending on the size and life span of a dog.
- Cancer - Costs can vary widely of course, depending on the type and stage of cancer, number of treatments and age of the dog.
- Initial visit = $200
- Major surgery to remove a deep tumor = $1500
- Chemotherapy depending on the size of the dog ranges from $200-$2,000 for 3-6 months of treatment.
- Radiation therapy ranges from $2000 to $6000
2. PANCREATITIS
This develops when the pancreas becomes inflamed and releases digestive enzymes into the abdominal area where those enzymes break down fat and proteins in the organs, including the pancreas. Dietary fat is known to be associated with the development of pancreatitis.
Costs for single treatments can vary from $200.00 to $1000.00 and range from $800.00 to $6000.00 over the course of the disease.
3. BLADDER STONES
Most bladder stones in dogs are caused by elevated levels of either calcium or phosphorous and can cause issues such as urinary accident and discolored urine. Costs for bladder stones depends on the treatmentfrom dietary management costing $30 to $85 to surgical removal costing up to $2200 or laser treatment costing up to $2200.
4. HEART DISEASE
Just like in humans, one key factor to heart disease in dogs is their sodium intake. Elevated levels of sodium cause water retention in the blood vessels and elevated blood pressure. Another cause of high blood pressure is obesity. As blood pressure increases, the diseased heart must continue to enlarge to overcome the increased pressure to pump blood. Fortunately, heart attacks in dogs is relatively rare.
Costs for heart disease treatment for a heart attack can range up to $10,000. Treatment for various heart conditions such as heart murmurs range in cost from $1800 to $2500.00, arrhythmia caused by toxins in some dog foods can cost up to $5000 and heart blood clot that can be caused by iron deficiency can cost between $250 and $15,000.
5. CHRONIC DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS
Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and inflammatory bowel disease are among the most frequent illnesses treated and are often the result of an allergy or intolerance to dog food ingredients.
Costs for inflammatory stomach and /or intestines which can occur at almost any point along the gastrointestinal tract and can be caused to allergens in processed dog foods can cost between $300 and $6000 depending on the severity of the disease.
6. ATOPIC DERMATITIS
This is an inflammatory, chronic skin disease associated with allergies and is the second most common allergic skin disease in dogs. Many dry dog foods, because of the presence of grain mites and grain mite carcasses, have been shown to cause atopic dermatitis.
Costs for atopic dermatitis, which can be caused by mites, grains and spores in some dog foods can cost between $500.00 and $2000.00 depending on the severity of the disease.
7. PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE
This is the weakening and eventual loss of the supporting structures of the teeth and can lead to eroded gums, teeth and bone. It increases the risk of heart, kidney and liver disease in dogs.
Costs for periodontal diseases treatment can range from $500 to $2500 depending on the severity of the disease.
8. LIVER INFLAMMATION (Hepatitis)
This is a chronic liver disease sometimes caused by exposure to mycotoxins from grains in some dog foods.
Costs for treatment of liver inflammation can range from $1000 to $10,000 depending on the severity of the inflammation.
Conclusion:
As you can see, diet related canine diseases can be extremely expensive to treat. Of course not all canine diseases are caused by diet. However, there is a growing body of research and knowledge pointing to a direct correlation between diet and these diseases. This article does not pretend to be more than an overview of some of these diseases and we encourage all dog owners to become more involved in and educated about the contents of whatever their choice of dog food may be.
IF YOU WOULDN’T PUT IT IN YOUR BODY, WHY WOULD YOU FEED IT TO YOUR DOG?
If your dog is experiencing any of these diseases trying searching for:
- Vet near me
- Vet clinic near me
http://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition/dog-diarrhea-and-other-diseases-impacted-by-nutrition
http://trupanion.com/pet-insurance/actual-claims
http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/cancer-causing-aflatoxins-found-in-dog-foods/
http://pets.costhelper.com/dog-cancer-treatment.html
http://grain-freedogfood.com/dog-food-related-diseases.html
http://truthaboutpetfood.com/AflatoxinsPets.pdf