Pet Insurance Coverage
Hereditary & congenital conditions in pets
Hereditary and congenital conditions are often grouped together when discussing pets (and pet insurance!) but they don’t mean quite the same thing. Let’s break down the differences and why it’s important to have pet insurance coverage for both types of conditions.
Hereditary vs. congenital conditions: what’s the difference?
- A hereditary condition is an issue that a pet is predisposed to at birth. Take French Bulldogs, for example: they’re genetically more prone to breathing problems than some other dog breeds. Hereditary conditions in pets are genetically inherited and often are linked to breed but can show up at any point during their lifetime (or not at all).
- Congenital conditions are issues or abnormalities that are caused by a developmental disruption in utero (e.g. a drug, virus or other environmental factor), which means they are present in a dog or cat at birth. Some congenital conditions may not cause a problem at all, while others can evolve to cause health issues for your pet down the road. Congenital conditions can range from easily identifiable birth defects like a cleft palate to more subtle issues like a heart murmur.
Common hereditary conditions in dogs and cats
Hip dysplasia in dogs
Hip dysplasia is when one or both of a dog’s hip joints become loose. It happens when the pelvis and femur bones develop abnormally and don’t fit together properly. German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and St. Bernards are a few of the dog breeds that are more genetically inclined to develop this condition.
Heart disease in cats
All cats can get a heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but domestic shorthair cats, Maine Coons and Ragdolls are more prone to it. HCM is caused by abnormal heart muscle leading to heart enlargement, a heart murmur and an abnormal heart rhythm. Some cats don’t show any clinical signs of HCM or may not develop this condition until they are older.
Cherry eye in dogs
Cherry eye is the term for when a dog’s third eyelid gland (yes, third eyelid!) pops out. It appears as a red, swollen mass on the inner corner of the pup’s eye. In some cases, it can lead to inflammation of the gland and irritation of the affected eye. Beagles, French Bulldogs and Pugs are some dog breeds that are predisposed to cherry eye.
Why you should get pet insurance that covers hereditary conditions
We can’t know for sure what will happen to our pets throughout their busy lives, so it’s always best to be prepared for the unexpected — and the more comprehensive the pet insurance coverage, the better prepared you’ll be. With that in mind, it’s important to get pet insurance with coverage for hereditary conditions to ensure you’re prepared for any unexpected injuries or illnesses related to your pet’s breed.
Common congenital conditions in dogs & cats
Hernias in cats
Hernias are tears or holes in a cat’s muscle that causes their organs to move into the wrong position. This happens when a kitten’s development is disrupted prior to birth and may not be diagnosed until the cat reaches middle age.
Heart murmur in dogs
A heart murmur is an abnormal extra sound or beat that your veterinarian hears when listening to your dog’s heart through a stethoscope. Smaller dog breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds and Chihuahuas are more likely to be born with a heart murmur.
Cerebellar hypoplasia in cats
Also known as “wobbly cat syndrome,” cerebellar hypoplasia is a nervous system disorder caused by incomplete development of the cat’s cerebellum. Since the cerebellum controls fine-motor movement, this condition can cause cats to struggle with their coordination and balance.
Why you should get pet insurance that covers congenital conditions
The examples we’ve listed above are just a few of the different congenital conditions that can affect dogs and cats. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify and manage these conditions early on. Since congenital conditions are present at birth, your best bet is to enroll your dog or cat in pet insurance as early as possible to help cover treatment for any related issues that may come up throughout your pet’s life.
What Fetch covers when it comes to hereditary & congenital conditions
If your pet needs treatment for a hereditary or congenital condition, Fetch can help cover the costs. If you’re enrolled with Fetch Pet Insurance before your pet shows symptoms of a hereditary or congenital condition, we can help you with your vet bills so you can stay focused on helping them feel better. Our comprehensive pet insurance plan includes coverage for:
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Medication
- And more
Let’s say you adopt a German Shepherd puppy and take them to the vet for their first visit. Your puppy has a clean bill of health but you decide to enroll them in a dog insurance plan with Fetch Pet Insurance to be prepared for the unexpected. German Shepherds are prone to developing cherry eye, but since your pup didn’t show any clinical signs at the vet, it isn’t considered a pre-existing condition. Therefore, Fetch can help cover diagnostic tests, plus the surgery and follow-up care if they develop this condition later in life.
Your pet insurance questions – answered!
Got more questions about your pet’s hereditary or congenital conditions?
Fetch provides the most comprehensive coverage for future injuries and illnesses, including pet cancer. If your pet needs to see a veterinary specialist for their condition, Fetch pays back up to 90% of the cost of care. Our plan also offers coverage for your pet’s hospital stay, medication and follow-up care. Learn more about pet insurance coverage for cancer treatment.
Are medications for treating hereditary and congenital conditions covered by pet insurance?
Fetch covers medicines like antibiotics as well as supplements and other therapies, when they’re recommended by a vet to treat a new condition. Preventive drugs, like heartworm or flea and tick medication, are not included. To get preventive care, you can add Fetch Wellness to your Fetch Pet Insurance plan.
Fetch doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions — learn more about pre-existing conditions here.