Elbow Dysplasia Surgery

German Shepherd Dog has elbow surgery

Embrace Reimbursed: $1,173.77
Location: Dracut, Mass.
Date: August 2009

Background

Nala’s mom, Kim, got her Memorial Day Weekend in 2008 at 14 weeks old, and the following January, she took out a policy with Embrace. Unfortunately, Nala is a bit of a problem child and has had health issues since Kim got her.

In August, Kim and her husband noticed Nala limping, and she would cry when she applied any weight to her front right leg. Kim was able to get her an appointment immediately at Countryside Veterinary Hospital in Chelmsford, Mass., and the vet discovered that Nala had an ununited anconeal process, a condition prevalent in German Shepherds. The only treatment for this form of elbow dysplasia is a costly surgery.

That day, Kim submitted a pre-certification to Embrace, and within a week Nala was in surgery and Kim knew exactly how much of the vet bill would be covered by Embrace and how much she would be responsible for.

Nala's right elbow is healing nicely but Kim recently found out that Nala now needs surgery on her left elbow for an ununited anconeal process. Reassured by the ease of the first claim, Kim sent in the precertification and scheduled the surgery for November 2009.

Nala's Policy

Pet insurance with Embrace is a benefit offered by Kim's employer. Her employer covers a portion of the premium and then the difference is deducted from her payroll. Kim was very surprised that the cost to cover her pets was so minimal.

Nala's Claim Refund

Reflections

Kim was happy that Embrace helped her take care of Nala during these tough economic times. She explains:

My husband, like so many others, was laid off and we are struggling. Embrace helped take that pressure off of my family. I was able to provide the best treatment for Nala without hesitation, and because Embrace really does care, I was able to get her in for the surgery quickly. All I can say is thank you.