Brea, Calif. (December 7, 2007) — An analysis of claims filed in 2006 by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) policyholders reveals that conjunctivitis (eye infections) and corneal ulcers top the list of pets' most common eye conditions. VPI, the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, received 21,524 claims for eye conditions in 2006, with the average eye condition costing $156 for dog owners and $130 for cat owners. Claims for conditions affecting the eyes accounted for about 4.5 percent of all medical claims received by VPI. Following are the 10 most common eye claims for dogs and cats:

Dogs	Cats
1. Conjunctivitis	1. Conjunctivitis
2. Corneal Ulcer - Medical Treatment	2. Corneal Ulcer - Medical Treatment
3. Keratitis (dry eyes)	3. Internal Inflammation
4. Trauma - Surgical Repair	4. Trauma - Surgical Repair
5. Tumors	5. Plugged Tear Duct
6. Internal Inflammation	6. Keratitis (dry eyes)
7. Senior Cataract	7. Corneal Ulcer - Surgical Repair
8. Glandular Cyst	8. External Inflammation
9. Plugged Tear Duct	9. Glaucoma - Medical Treatment
10. External Inflammation	10. Tumors

"Pet owners should regularly assess their pet's eyes," said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. "An animal's eyes should be clear, shiny and free of discharge. The tissue surrounding the eyes should be light pink in color. If the eyes appear dry, red, hazy, or produce excessive discharge, it is important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian."

While some eye conditions are quite serious on their own, they can also be indicative of more critical conditions. A thorough examination of the eyes by a veterinarian can often offer clues about other systemic diseases in your pet. Eye problems can stem from simple upper respiratory infections, to serious metabolic or organ dysfunctions.

Pet owners may not be able to prevent all causes of eye problems, but they can take steps to cut down on eye trauma and corneal ulcers that occur as a result of trauma. In dogs, the most common cause of eye trauma is face-first collisions with tree branches. Pet owners can help prevent these accidents by trimming bushes and trees to keep branches above a pet's eye level. Another easily avoided cause of eye trauma is irritation from shampoo. When bathing their pets, owners should take precautions to keep shampoo out of their pet's eyes. Excessive or intense irritation to the eyes can lead to corneal ulcers. Pet owners caring for breeds with eyes that protrude from their eye sockets (e.g., Boston Terriers) should take extra precautions, since these breeds are prone to ocular trauma.

Eye trauma also commonly occurs when pets are playing or fighting with other pets. Whether at home or the pet park, playtime with other pets should be supervised, as paws or claws can easily and inadvertently make contact with the eyes. This kind of eye trauma is most frequently seen in cats; the territorial tendencies of some cats can lead to disputes with other felines. To avoid costly cat altercations, indoor cats should stay indoors and multiple indoor cats with a tendency to fight may need to reside in separate quarters of the house.

"Not all situations can be prevented, so it is also important for pet lovers to be financially prepared for possible visits to their veterinarian," said McConnell. "VPI Pet Insurance policies provide comprehensive medical coverage to assist pet owners with treatment costs associated with eye conditions and the countless other injuries and illnesses that can affect their pets."

About Veterinary Pet Insurance Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the nation’s oldest and largest pet health insurance company. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America's pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional Pet WellCare ProtectionSM for routine care is also available.

Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 1,600 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.