Chronic vs. Acute: The Most Frequent Diagnoses and Their Costs

Columbus, OH – Veterinarians see a wide range of cases every day, but some conditions consistently top the list. Nationwide® analyzed its database of more than 1 million actively insured pets to identify the most common medical conditions affecting dogs and cats—and the financial impact these diagnoses can have on pet families.  

"From skin allergies to arthritis, many of the most common conditions veterinarians diagnose are also those that can require ongoing management," said Dr. Emily Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide. "Chronic conditions, in particular, can lead to significant cumulative costs over time. By helping pet families understand disease risks and treatment costs, veterinary teams can help prepare them for long-term care decisions." 

Key takeaways for dogs:   

1. For the 13^th year, skin allergies is the most common health issue for dogs.  
2. The top eight conditions remained unchanged between 2023-24.  
3. Kidney failure is new to the list this year.   
4. Respiratory infection fell out of the top 10 (previously #9 in 2023), but it remains in the top 15. Notably, cruciate tear, seizures and respiratory infection are all very close in ranking, with kidney failure just edging out the others. 
5. Five of the top 10 canine conditions are chronic. According to Nationwide claims data, when the view is expanded to a full year after a pet’s diagnosis***, costs increase as follows: 

               - Skin allergies full year cost: $841   
               - Osteoarthritis full year cost: $1,093  
               - Valvular heart disease full year cost: $1,203   Liver disease full year cost: $770  
               - Kidney failure full year cost: $992  

Key takeaways for cats:   

1. For the second year, gastroenteritis tops the list for cats.  
2. The top 6 conditions did not budge from 2023, but the bottom four conditions flip-flopped a bit this year – previously, rankings had been #7 respiratory infection, #8 diabetes, #9 inflammatory bowel disease, and #10 skin allergies.   
3. Six of the top 10 conditions for cats are chronic, leading to increased cost over time***.  

               - Kidney disease full year cost: $1,201  
               - Osteoarthritis full year cost: $1,274  
               - Hyperthyroid disease full year cost: $1,145  
               - Inflammatory bowel disease full year cost: $1,464 
               - Diabetes mellitus full year cost: $2,240   
               - Atopic or allergic dermatitis full year cost: $592 

While some conditions are unavoidable, veterinarians play a key role in educating pet families about risk factors, early detection, and treatment options. More insights and breed-specific disease trends can be explored on the Nationwide Pet HealthZone®, a resource designed to support veterinary teams and their clients.  

With Nationwide pet health insurance, many diagnostic and treatment expenses for these common conditions are eligible for reimbursement, helping clients manage costs and continue to say yes to the care recommended by their veterinary team. To learn more, visit petinsurance.com/veterinarians. 

** These numbers were calculated by analyzing the 80^th percentile of costs Nationwide pet insurance policyholders reported within the first 30 days after diagnosis for a given condition. 
*** These numbers were calculated by analyzing the 80^th percentile of costs Nationwide pet insurance policyholders reported within the first year after diagnosis for a given condition. 

About Nationwide pet insurance  
With more than 1 million actively insured pets, Nationwide is the first and largest provider of pet health insurance in the United States. Nationwide pet health insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Products underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Columbus, OH; National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH. Agency of Record: DVM Insurance Agency. All are subsidiaries of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Insurance terms, definitions and explanations are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in individual insurance contracts, policies or declaration pages, which are controlling. Pet owners can find Nationwide pet insurance on Instagram. For more information about Nationwide pet insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.