Trupanion Pet Insurance Informs Dog Owners of a Rare Case of Salmon Poisoning

Seattle, WA, June 27, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Trupanion, the nation’s fastest-growing pet insurance provider, recently received a claim from a policyholder for suspected salmon poisoning. While this condition is rare, it can be fatal, so it is important for pet owners to be aware of the danger so they can avoid it in their own pets.

Salmon and some other fish can be infected with a parasite that while typically harmless to pets, can be dangerous to dogs if the parasite itself is infected with an organism called Neorickettsia helminthoeca. Cats and other animals are not affected by salmon poisoning, but the condition can be fatal in dogs. The condition is diagnosed via a traditional fecal sample or a needle sample of a swollen lymph node.

Cade, a Golden Retriever insured by Trupanion, was diagnosed with suspected salmon poisoning when he became ill after a recent camping trip with his owner, Sheila Prado. Cade had eaten a portion of a dead fish he found on the shoreline near the camp site.

The cost of treating the infection totaled $2,643.29. After the policyholder’s chosen deductible was subtracted, as well as the exam fees and routine care included in the bill (which Trupanion does not cover), Cade’s owner was reimbursed $2,028.77, or 90 percent of the covered costs.

“We are so glad we had Trupanion insurance,” said Prado. “We would have been stretched to pay those vet bills and [Trupanion] allowed us to do the diagnostic tests necessary with peace of mind.”

Symptoms of salmon poisoning include:

· Vomiting
· Fever
· Diarrhea
· Weakness
· Dehydration
· Enlarged Lymph Nodes
· Refusal to Eat

Trupanion cautions dog owners from sharing any form of raw fish with their pet. However, if the pet does ingest raw fish, or has been foraging in trash cans or around areas that may contain raw fish, pet owners should visit their veterinarian immediately if any of the symptoms listed above occur. If left untreated, death usually occurs within fourteen days of ingestion.

Trupanion™
Trupanion™ pet insurance offers cat insurance and dog insurance in the United States and Canada. Trupanion™ is self-underwritten by the American Pet Insurance Company, allowing Trupanion™ to offer a simple, customizable pet insurance policy with no payout limits and 90% coverage of veterinary bills. Enrolled pets receive lifetime coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if they get sick or are injured, with no incident, annual or lifetime limit. Trupanion’s mission is to deliver fast, simple and user-friendly financial support to pet owners. For more information about Trupanion™, call 800-569-7913 or visit http://www.TrupanionPetInsurance.com.

About the North American Pet Health Insurance Association
Trupanion™ is a founding member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). Founded in 2007, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association is committed to educating and promoting the values and benefits of quality pet health insurance to North American pet owners, the general public, and the veterinary community. As an association, we are committed to high standards and transparency in all of our actions and products. To learn more, visit the North American Pet Health Insurance Association website at http://www.naphia.org.

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