Top Pet Insurance Claims: Patellar Luxations Lead the Way

Meritz fire & Marine’s Pet Insurance Marks 7th Anniversary: Top Claims Revealed

Seoul, South Korea – Meritz Fire & Marine’s pioneering pet insurance, “Pet Fermant,” is celebrating it’s 7th anniversary with a revealing look at the most common claims made by policyholders. The analysis, based on data from the product’s launch in October 2018, highlights a clear trend in canine health concerns, with external hyperitis topping the list of most frequently paid claims.

Breaking News:
Meritz Fire & Marine has released its comprehensive 7-year analysis of its “Pet Fermant” pet insurance. the findings indicate that external hyperitis has been the most common reason for dog insurance payouts, accounting for 16,521 cases. This is closely followed by gastric and enteritis,with 14,495 claims,and vomiting at 13,325 cases. For cats, vomiting leads the claims at 1,333 cases, followed by gastritis (766 cases) and conjunctivitis (662 cases).

Evergreen Insights:

The substantial number of claims for issues like external hyperitis, gastritis, enteritis, and otitis media among dogs underscores the prevalence of these conditions in the canine population. This data can serve as a valuable resource for pet owners and veterinary professionals alike, informing preventative care strategies and highlighting common health vulnerabilities. For instance, the frequent claims for gastric issues and vomiting suggest the importance of discussing proper diet and potential
ingestion of foreign objects with veterinarians.

On the financial front, patella dislocation emerged as the most expensive condition for dog insurance claims, with Meritz Fire & Marine paying out a total of 7.3 billion won. This is followed by cruciate ligament damage and rupture (2.39 billion won) and gastritis and enteritis (1.98 billion won). These figures point to the meaningful financial burden that certain orthopedic and gastrointestinal conditions can place on pet owners, reinforcing the value of comprehensive pet insurance for managing unexpected veterinary expenses.

Since its inception, “Pet Fermant” has seen robust adoption, with approximately 135,000 subscriptions by the end of June. Dog insurance accounts for the lion’s share, with over 115,000 policies, featuring Pomeranians, Toy poodles, and Maltese as the most popular breeds. Cat insurance, launched in April 2019, has garnered over 20,000 subscriptions, with the Korean Shorthair being the most frequently insured breed.

Geographically, both dog and cat insurance policies are most concentrated in Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi-do province, representing over half of all policyholders. this concentration likely reflects higher pet ownership rates and greater awareness of pet insurance in these urbanized areas.

As pet ownership continues to rise globally, understanding the most common and costly health issues is crucial for responsible pet care. Meritz Fire & Marine’s data offers a clear snapshot of these trends, empowering owners to better prepare for their pets’ health needs and financial well-being.

What are the different grades of patellar luxation and what does each entail?

Top Pet insurance Claims: Patellar Luxations Led the Way

Understanding the Rising Costs of Pet Healthcare

Pet ownership is a joy, but it comes with financial responsibilities. Unexpected vet bills can quickly add up, making pet insurance a crucial consideration for responsible owners. Archyde.com consistently analyzes claim data to provide insights into common – and costly – pet health issues. currently, our data reveals a significant trend: patellar luxations are consistently among the top reasons for pet insurance claims, particularly in smaller breeds. This article dives deep into this condition, its treatment, associated costs, and how pet health insurance can definitely help.

What is a Patellar luxation?

A patellar luxation (also known as a dislocating kneecap) occurs when the patella (kneecap) slips out of its groove. This is a common orthopedic condition in dogs, and increasingly seen in cats. There are different grades of luxation, ranging from mild, intermittent slipping to severe, constant dislocation.

Grade I: Patella luxates occasionally, and returns to its normal position spontaneously.

Grade II: Patella luxates more frequently, and may require manual reduction (putting it back in place).

Grade III: Patella is chronically dislocated, but can be manually reduced.

Grade IV: Patella is permanently dislocated and cannot be reduced.

The condition frequently enough affects both legs, though not always simultaneously. Certain breeds are predisposed, as we’ll discuss below. Dog knee problems and cat knee injuries often manifest as this condition.

Breeds most Prone to Patellar Luxation

While any dog or cat can experience a patellar luxation, certain breeds are considerably more susceptible. Understanding breed predisposition is key to preventative care and early detection.

Dogs:

Toy Breeds: Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles

Small Breeds: Shih Tzus, Jack Russell Terriers, Miniature Pinschers

Other Breeds: Labrador Retrievers (less common, often associated with conformational issues)

Cats:

Devon Rex

Burmese

Abyssinian

Genetic factors play a significant role, but conformation (the physical structure of the animal) can also contribute. Orthopedic issues in dogs are frequently linked to genetics.

Symptoms to Watch For

Early detection is crucial for managing a patellar luxation and potentially delaying or avoiding surgery. Be vigilant for these signs:

Skipping or hopping: Especially after exercise.

Sudden lameness: Often in one leg, but can affect both.

Difficulty rising: Particularly after resting.

“Pop” sound: You might hear or feel a popping sensation in the knee.

Abnormal gait: An awkward or unusual way of walking.

Reluctance to jump or climb stairs: Indicating pain or instability.

Muscle atrophy: Wasting away of the thigh muscles.

If you observe any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian promptly.Prompt diagnosis is vital for effective pet care.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

A veterinarian will diagnose a patellar luxation through a physical examination. They will manipulate the leg to assess the stability of the patella. X-rays are typically taken to evaluate the severity of the luxation and rule out other underlying conditions like arthritis in dogs.

Treatment options vary depending on the grade of the luxation:

Grade I & II (Conservative management):

Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the joints.

Exercise modification: Avoiding high-impact activities.

Physical Therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the knee.

Joint Supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin may provide some support.

Grade III & IV (Surgical Intervention): Surgery is often recommended to restore proper patellar tracking. Common surgical procedures include:

Extracapsular Pinning: A pin is placed around the knee joint to stabilize the patella.

Suture Imbrication: Tightening the ligaments around the knee.

Tibial Plateau Leveling (TPLO): A more complex procedure,often used for larger dogs.

Femoral Trochlear Groove Deepening: modifying the groove where the patella sits.

The Cost of Treatment: Why Pet Insurance Matters

The cost of treating a patellar luxation can vary significantly depending on the severity, location, and chosen treatment method.

HereS a general cost breakdown (estimates as of 2025):

Veterinary Examination & X-rays: $150 – $300

Conservative Management (Physical Therapy, Supplements): $500 – $1,500 per year

Surgery (Grade III/IV): $2,000 – $5,000+ per leg. TPLO procedures can exceed $6,000.

*Post-operative Care (