From Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM,
Your Guide to Veterinary Medicine.
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I was fortunate to be able to interview VPI's veterinary expert, Dr. Carol McConnell about the survey findings and about pet health insurance in general.

Question: Regarding human drug reactions in pets; what is the top OTC (Over-The-Counter) painkiller causing adverse reactions according to the survey findings?

Answer: Aspirin, Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Ibuprofen.

Apirin: Cats are especially sensitive to aspirin or aspirin-containing products because they are unable to metabolize the drugs due to a deficiency in glucuronyl transferase.

Aspirin toxicity in dogs usually occurs because of the administration of the incorrect dose. Aspirin toxicity may cause gastrointestinal problems, respiratory difficulties, neurological problems, bleeding disorders, organ failure (kidney and liver) and in some cases seizures or coma.

Tylenol: One extra strength acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be deadly to a cat. Complications of using Tylenol in pets include liver damage and oxidative damage to red blood cells (so they stop carrying oxygen).

Ibuprofen: Four or more regular strength Ibuprofen can lead to kidney failure in dogs. Ibuproren can cause gastric ulceration, kidney failure, neurologic problems, organ failure (kidney and liver) and possible death.

Cats are considered to be twice as sensitive as dogs where only one tablet can cause kidney failure and possible death.

Question: Do you have the fatality/recovery statistics for any of the top toxins?

Answer: Unfortunately, no.

Question: Are cats or dogs more prone to household plant poisonings?

Answer: It is more common for cats to chew and ingest indoor plants. Mildly toxic plants (Dieffenbachia, Poinsettia and Philodendron) can cause irritation of the mouth and throat, drooling and vomiting when chewed on or ingested. Plants that are moderately toxic (Ivy, Tulip and Mistletoe) can cause vomiting, depression, breathing difficulty, abnormal temperature and muscle weakness or tremors. Highly toxic plants (Easter lily, other lilies or bulb plants such as Daffodil) can cause vomiting, depression, seizures, organ failure and possible death.

Question: Are all types of poisonings are covered by VPI (even cases of owner-induced toxicity)? Are any situations/types of poisonings NOT covered by insurance?

Answer: All types of poisonings and drug overdoses are covered by VPI regardless if they are owner-induced or accidental exposures.

The only type of "adverse drug reaction" not eligible for coverage would be a reaction to medication (given at its prescribed dose) for an ineligible condition or a complication of an ineligible condition. An example would be gastric upset cause by an appropriate dose of Rimadyl used to treat hip dysplasia (because coverage for hip dysplasia is not on VPI's benefit schedule). Conversely, an accidental overdose of Rimadyl would be covered.

Question: Does VPI cover the fee for a consultation (by the vet or owner) with the Animal Poison Control Center?

Answer: VPI reimburses Animal Poison Control Center consultation fees for eligible conditions when the call has been made from the attending veterinary hospital and the charges are itemized on the hospital's receipt. VPI will also reimburse policyholders who directly call an Animal Poison Control Center for eligible conditions if the animal is then taken to a veterinarian for examination within 24 hours of the original phone call. (This is because our policies are limited to medical treatments provided by or under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.)

Thank you, Dr. McConnell, for sharing your experience with VPI health insurance claims and toxicology information.