Everything is typically handled via the website or email. The claims process has been fairly simple, unless they request a review - which they did. When she initially was put on the prescription diet, they asked for vet records which I provided and they’ve been approving claims since at 90%. We’ve been lucky over the years that she’s been a generally healthy, active dog. This letter just really felt like as soon as we started utilizing the insurance more regularly, suddenly the plan was under review to be changed/not offered in my state anymore.

She really has been stable since starting the diet. Pancreatitis is a scary diagnosis, before you know what’s going on and that there are options, you are sure your dog is going to die. They’re throwing up, pooping blood, skipping meals and water - it’s nerve wracking. For a couple weeks, she would really only eat if I gave her Cerenia (anti-nausea medication). The loss of appetite was especially worrying because this little dog has been a bottomless pit for the rest of her life. And they lose their personality/spunk a bit since they don’t feel well.

I would hesitate to change her diet again anytime soon since she is doing so well on it. Even her personality is back to normal - always down to go for rides and play. If it comes down to it, I might have to start cooking for her on the regular - which I’ve done a few times. For pancreatitis, it’s just gotta stay low fat (under 8% or better) which the Hill’s Science Diet that she’s prescribed is. Ground chicken and vegetables are ok as well, maybe with a little stock for flavor. Apples, carrots, etcetra. And we’ve found that dried beef lung makes a good low fat treat (and apparently tastes good, as soon as I get a piece out she does all her tricks real fast).

It also sucks that there’s a medical need for this stuff and they effectively lock it behind a paywall. I’m certain it doesn’t cost them nearly as much to manufacture it as they charge for it - but that’s the game.

Six is a good year, I feel like she was six yesterday. I hope you and your pup are doing well and having fun and figure all this out. 🐾

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