If you’re a pet parent to a large or giant breed dog, you’ve probably heard about bloat, or Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV). This serious condition occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and then twists, cutting off blood supply and becoming life-threatening very quickly. A preventative surgery called gastropexy can significantly reduce the risk of bloat. But when considering this procedure, a common question arises: Does Pet Insurance Cover Gastropexy?
Understanding Gastropexy and Bloat in Dogs
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV), or bloat, is a critical condition where the stomach expands with gas and rotates. This twisting action traps gas and food in the stomach and restricts blood flow, potentially leading to shock and death if not promptly treated. While any dog can experience bloat, large and deep-chested breeds are at a higher risk.
A gastropexy is a surgical procedure that tacks the stomach to the abdominal wall. This prevents the stomach from twisting, thus dramatically lowering the chances of GDV. There are various gastropexy techniques, and the best one for your dog will depend on your veterinarian’s expertise and your dog’s specific needs.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Preventative Gastropexy?
Whether pet insurance covers a preventative gastropexy depends on the specifics of your pet insurance policy. Many standard pet insurance plans are designed to cover unexpected illnesses and accidents. Preventative procedures, like a gastropexy performed on a healthy dog to prevent future bloat, may not be covered under these basic plans.
However, some pet insurance companies offer wellness plans or routine care add-ons that can help cover the costs of preventative care. These wellness plans are often designed to contribute towards the costs of routine procedures, which could include a preventative gastropexy. For example, as mentioned by Embrace Pet Insurance, their Wellness Rewards plan may be used for preventative gastropexy procedures. It’s crucial to review your pet insurance policy details or contact your provider directly to understand your coverage for preventative surgeries.
Gastropexy in GDV Cases
In emergency situations where a dog is already suffering from GDV and requires surgery to correct the bloat, a gastropexy is highly recommended during the same surgical procedure. This is because dogs that have experienced bloat are at a high risk of recurrence – up to 50% according to studies published by the US National Library of Medicine if a gastropexy is not performed. In these emergency GDV surgeries, the gastropexy is considered a necessary part of the treatment to prevent future episodes.
In these emergency cases, pet insurance plans that cover surgical procedures for illnesses are much more likely to cover the gastropexy performed in conjunction with GDV treatment, as it is no longer considered purely preventative but a necessary part of addressing a covered medical condition.
Conclusion
Gastropexy is a significant preventative measure against life-threatening bloat in predisposed dog breeds. While standard pet insurance may not always cover preventative gastropexy, exploring wellness plans or discussing coverage with your pet insurance provider is essential. If your dog experiences GDV, a gastropexy is a critical step often covered by pet insurance to prevent recurrence. Understanding your pet insurance policy will help you make informed decisions about your dog’s health and well-being and manage potential veterinary costs associated with this important procedure.
