Three very good reasons to get pet insurance for Australian Shepherds
Aussies are increasingly popular dogs, showing the Germans that there’s more than one shepherd in town. Full of energy, they share similar traits to their Teutonic namesakes, which means they’re great with kids, easy to train and very loyal. They also come with their own set of potential medical issues that make it a wise move to get pet insurance for Australian Shepherds.
Here are 3 common health issues among Australian Shepherds.
Hip/Elbow Dysplasia
Covered by insurance!
German Shepherds are, sadly, all too well known for their joint problems, and it’s something that afflicts Australian Shepherds too. Hip or elbow dysplasia occurs when the bones and joints haven’t aligned properly. This is unpleasant enough, but it can also lead to arthritis, which truly debilitating. However, it can be treated and the earlier the better – one of the many reasons you should get any dog insured as young as possible. That insurance, if it’s in place soon enough, could save you up to $1,000 in x-ray fees, $2,000 per year for medication, or up to $7,500 per joint for surgery.
Eye issues
Covered by insurance!
Certain dog breeds are susceptible to eye issues and Australian Shepherds are one of those. They get common issues such as glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts. The last of these severely limit a dog’s vision and surgery usually costs around $1,500 to $5,000 per eye. They’re also one of the few breeds prone to Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), a genetic abnormality that causes blindness. For there to be any chance of treatment, which isn’t always possible, it needs to be screened for when the dog is very young – something pet insurance can help with.
Epilepsy
Covered by insurance!
Epilepsy is a genetically common condition in Australian Shepherds that can cause seizures. The most likely type they’ll have is primary or idiopathic epilepsy. It usually becomes clear that a dog has this illness early on, between six months and three years, and it’s treatable with medication ($200-$5,000 per year). The cost of the drugs and any screening will be covered pet insurance – as long as you get pet insurance for your Australian Shepherd nice and early.
