my Chihuahua has seizures?

Question

i need help, my chihuaua has seizures about once every two months..the problem is i can't afford to take her to the vet,,,i need to get her insurance but they won't give insurance because of her condition....anyone have suggestions, is there a way around it, i don't understand the conditions of the insurance if anyone can help me get it i would appreciate it....i won't let her have another seizure without a vet...

Answer 1

Insurance won't cover a preexisting condition. Preexisting conditions are usually defined as something that has been treated by a vet in the last year. You'd have to check on the specific insurance to see what the exact terms are. Theoretically, you could get the insurance, wait until it becomes fully active (usually there's a thirty day waiting period on serious medical conditions), and then take the dog to the vet, but don't tell the vet that the seizures were happening before the insurance became active. This is risky for a few reasons: Technically, it's insurance fraud, and since you are lying to the vet about the frequency and duration of the seizures, it might affect the care of your dog.

This a common misunderstanding, but pet insurance doesn't work like people insurance. With pet insurance, you still have to pay the entire vet fees up front, and then submit the claim to the insurance company. If it's covered, they will reimburse you for their part of the bill. But you still have to have that money up front initially.

Dog seizures usually aren't that expensive to diagnose, and treat. The most common medication to control them isn't expensive at all. Most vets will work out a payment plan, too.

Hope this helps...

Answer 2

How come you can't afford the vet? The insurance can cost you more in the long run.They have things you can give you pet to help control the seizures.I have a chihuahua and she took one seizure and since that time she can tell when some one else is having seizure.But the cause of her seizures was over a very stressful event.Have you have a test to see if there is something in the brain or if it is from a under lying illness?And is she in a very stressful environment now.?try to take notice to when she has these seizures.

Answer 3

Insurance will not cover any "pre-existing" conditions. Because your pet started having seizures BEFORE ("pre-") you tried to sign up for the insurance, the insurance companies won't cover that condition. It might still be a good idea to sign up for insurance coverage -- in case your pet comes down with other illnesses or physiological problems in the future.

See if you vet will allow you to pay your bills over a period of time (instead of all at once), or see if you can get CareCredit (a credit card that covers vet expenses). If you're low-income, you can also try applying for financial assistance through sites like imom.com.

Answer 4

I have a toy chihuahua, but she's never had one. On the other hand, my daughters Chihuahua has seizures. I guess it's similar to a diabetic seizure, and chihuahuas are notorious for having them. She took him to the vet, and they suggested a change in diet. Absolutely no table food, sweets, etc.
After he went on a healthy diet of dog food and nutrition supplements that she bought, he rarely has them. The vet also said there is no need to bring him in when he has one, as there is nothing they can do for it anyway. Just try to keep the dog as comfortable as possible, because they can become disoriented. Hope this helps a little.

Answer 5

I had a Rat Terrier with seizures... and it has something to do with breeding within a single population, like incest. Pure breeds breed with their 'family' so to speak, and it can cause multiple health issues.
Our vet told us that we did not have to use medication if the episodes were not that often, and our dog seemed okay. When he had seizures, we held him until it passed, and he was always fine.
Other than that, check with your local humane society or vet's office for discount prescription meds. They should be able to lead you in the right direction. Good luck!

Answer 6

Next time that happens take the little guy right to the vet. If the doctor at that time turns you away with no cash and a life and death emergency, then you have a truelly heartless vet. I am sure in an emergency they can help you with some sort of payment plan.

Answer 7

unfortunatly, the little that i know about pet insurance is that if you write down, or your vet writes down that she had seizures as a preexisting condition they will not cover any workups or treatments for them. Sorry.

Answer 8

look on the internet to see if there is a free pet clinic near you. poor doggy!