If you're reading this blog, you probably know that veterinary care is not inexpensive. And, there usually comes a point in time where you have to make some tough decisions about what you can afford vs. the best treatment for your animal. SARDS diagnosis is not cheap. ERGs are not cheap. Extensive bloodwork is not cheap. Ultrasounds are not cheap. Thankfully, we have pet insurance.
Sean and I have been policy holders of Pets Best Insurance since 2005. The reason that I adore this company, and chose them over some of the other options out there is that there is no fee schedule. You pick your plan and your deductible. Once you meet that deductible, they will pay a flat 80% of your veterinary bill. They trust you and your vet to make the right choices about care. You don't have to worry about whether or not most things are covered (of course, there are some exceptions, but they're fewer than most other companies out there). In the 6 years we have had our policy for our dogs, they have never once refused a claim. This really gave us the flexibility to choose to do what we thought was best for Reo.
I'm not getting any kick backs from them, or anything like that, but I recommend them completely to my friends, and I recommend them to you - my internet audience. Check them out for your animals. They are an awesome company.
Pets Best Insurance
In March 2011, our Miniature Pinscher, Reo, suddenly went blind and was diagnosed with SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome). We were given no hope for vision recovery, but through research, perseverance, love, tears, and a lot of luck, we brought our dog back from a serious illness, and restored some functional vision in about 5 months! This is our story, our journey...and we hope that by sharing our story, we can help other dogs diagnosed with SARDS!
BLOG DISCLAIMER
**DISCLAIMER** Please note: I am not a veterinarian, and the purpose of this blog is solely to educate, provide resources, and share Reo's story. In this blog, I will present research and information on the theories of SARDS to which I subscribe, along with my own narrative. If you think your dog may have SARDS, or adrenal exhaustion/Plechner Syndrome, please seek veterinary care right away!
If you are just beginning your SARDS education, I suggest you start with the blog post from August 22, 2011 entitled "SARDS Resources". If you'd like to know our trials, tribulations, and joys from the beginning, start with "But first...Reo!" and click chronologically on from there.
If you would like to read my suggestions as to how I would approach treatment for a newly-diagnosed dog, check the November 16, 2011 post "If I had another SARDS dog" (and then read my blog more fully for appropriate context).
Though we have decided to suspend Reo's retinal protection supplements in September 2012 (see September 16, 2012 post "Decision for Reo") due to the fact that she had very little remaining vision, I am still strongly supportive of our treatment approach, and know that it changed Reo's health and longevity in a positive way. Feel free to comment and ask me any questions - I am happy to help if I can!
Update: Reo became an angel on October 21, 2014. She had a profound kidney infection, causing acute kidney failure, and she was unable to recover. The contributing factors to her decline are covered in my February 16, 2015 blog post "Farewell to Reo".
Though I do not regularly update this blog any longer, much of the information is still relevant (though some of the links may be out of date). Feel free to join the conversation at "SARDS Dogs United" on Facebook.
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