An analysis of companion animal health insurance claims received by Veterinary Pet Insurance in 2008 identified the top medical conditions of the year and showed that pets visit the veterinarian for many of the same reasons that humans visit the doctor. The top canine medical claim was ear infection, while the top feline claim was for lower urinary tract disease.

The top canine medical claims of 2008 include:

1. Ear infections
2. Skin allergies
3. Pyoderma/hot spots
4. Gastritis/vomiting
5. Enteritis/diarrhea
6. Urinary tract infections
7. Benign skin tumors
8. Osteoarthritis
9. Eye inflammation
10. Hypothyroidism

The top feline medical claims of 2008 include:

1. Lower urinary tract disease
2. Gastritis/stomach upsets
3. Chronic renal failure
4. Enteritis/diarrhea
5. Diabetes mellitus
6. Skin allergies
7. Hyperthyroidism
8. Ear infections
9. Upper respiratory virus
10. Eye inflammation

The top 10 conditions accounted for nearly 340,000 claims, or close to 25% of all canine and feline medical claims received in 2008. The most expensive of the common canine conditions was benign skin tumors, with an average submitted claim fee of $340. For cats, the most expensive common condition was renal failure, with an average submitted claim fee of $267.