Biceps Tendinopathy
A Dockdiving Labrador Retriever has Shoulder Surgery
Embrace Reimbursed: $3,375.00
Location: Millersburg, Pa.
Date: September 2009
Background
Sheri knew Kiara was the puppy for her when at her breeder's, Kiara climbed into her nephew's lap, curled up, and went to sleep. They brought her home Memorial Day Weekend in 2005. In February 2008, Sheri took out a policy for Kiara, and shortly thereafter, she noticed that Kiara no longer wanted to walk on slippery surfaces and would yelp in pain when playing with her sister, Kaiya. A local veterinarian diagnosed her with tendonitis and prescribed Deramaxx and 6 weeks of rest.
However, by the summer of 2009, Kiara was still experiencing pain and was sore after jumping off their dock, a frequent event given that Kiara competed in Dockdiving. Sheri took Kiara to the Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Group in Annapolis Junction, MD, to get a second opinion. Kiara had biceps tendonopathy caused by repetitive motion, in her case from Dockdiving, though biceps tendinopathy is not common in Labs.
Kiara underwent a bilateral shoulder arthroscopy and radio-frequency treatment in September 2009. She is recovering nicely with the help of a physical therapist.
Kiara's Policy
Sheri wanted an insurance company that covered genetic conditions, especially since Labs are prone to hip dysplasia. Through Dockdogs, Sheri came across Embrace and was thrilled to see that Embrace covered genetic conditions so she signed up her girls. Within one year, both Kiara and Kaiya needed surgery and physical therapy. Sheri admits, The costs would have been overwhelming and I would not have been able to manage without Embrace.
Kiara's Claim Refund
Kiara's bilateral shoulder arthroscopy claim
| Amount |
| Actual Vet Bill | $3,818.92
|
Covered Charges
| $3,750.00
|
Annual Deductible Remaining
| -$0.00 |
| 10% Co-pay | -$375.00 |
Reflections
Knowing Kiara needed shoulder surgery, Sheri went through the pre-certification process and got a response very quickly. She explains:
Embrace makes the claims process so easy, which is great when you are already so stressed over your pet's condition. Embrace is more than an insurance company to me. It means a lot to me as a pet owner that the staff always inquired about my girls. In all my correspondence everyone puts a note in saying they hope the girls are doing well or to give the girls a scratch from them. It may seem like a small gesture, but to me, it means the world. The care and consideration that Embrace gives to me as a customer is outstanding.