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Pet Insurance Story: Early Detection of Cancerous Tumor Saves Darby

By Christy True
published: April 29, 2021 - updated: April 21, 2022 • 2 min. read
Cute dog named Darby

Diagnosis: Cancerous tumor
Claims Covered: $3,181 | Healthy Paws paid: $2,737
Coverage options: $250 | Reimbursement: 90%

Cute dog named DarbyNo pet parent wants to hear that their furry loved one has cancer, but the story of Darby, a 7-year-old retriever mix, illustrates that cancer in pets is often treatable, and pets can recover from it and go on to live long, healthy lives.

Darby lives with her pet parent Erin, in Chicago, Ill. where she takes up the whole couch when lounging and has the unusual quirk of loving vegetables, especially carrots and celery.

This spring, Erin noticed a lump on Darby’s side. The veterinarian performed a test and determined it was a tumor that needed to be removed by a specialist, based on the location and type of tumor.

The surgeon removed the tumor, and the biopsy confirmed it was cancerous. However, because the vet caught it early and was able to remove all of the cancerous tissue, Darby didn’t require any follow-up chemo or radiation treatments, Erin said.

“She is expected to live a completely normal life,” Erin said.

Darby’s recovery went smoothly. She rested for a couple of weeks while a large wound on her side healed up. Now her fur has fully grown back, and she is as good as new, Erin said.

“She is doing great and is back to her goofy, happy self!” she said. “We went on a little road trip recently and have been enjoying lots of long walks and hikes.”

How pet insurance helped Darby’s brush with cancer

Cute dog named DarbyErin purchased a Healthy Paws Pet Insurance plan when Darby was young, and she’s grateful she did, both for the tumor removal and previous health issues over the years.

“I got Healthy Paws insurance when she was a puppy, and they have always been wonderful – super easy to file a claim on the app, direct deposit (that comes fast!), and they really seem to care about my dog, even checking up on her a few years ago after a health scare,” she said. “The cost for her surgery alone was almost $3,000 but because of Healthy Paws, my out-of-pocket costs were only about $400. Darby is recovering like a champ, and because Healthy Paws processed my claim so quickly, I didn’t have to worry about the stress of a large (and unexpected) expense and could focus on her recovery.”

Like most pet parents, Erin considers Darby a member of her family, and wants to make sure she is around as long as possible. Having pet insurance means she can focus on making sure Darby gets the treatment she needs without being stressed about money.

The claim scenarios described here are intended to show the types of situations that may result in claims. These scenarios should not be compared to any other claim. Whether or to what extent a particular loss is covered depends on the facts and circumstances of the loss, the terms and conditions of the policy as issued and applicable law.

Insured people providing testimonials in this report have not received compensation for their statements.

Protect your pets from those unexpected illnesses like cancer, which the Healthy Paws plan covers. Get a quote and make sure you’re covered for those dog and puppy mishaps and unpleasant surprises.

Christy True and Tomas
By Christy True

Christy has been writing about pets for Healthy Paws for 28 dog years. She also coordinates media requests and manages the Healthy Paws Foundation. A background in journalism may be why she enjoys writing about offbeat animal studies and the latest viral pet trends. She has been owned by several dogs, and she volunteers with a local dog rescue. Outside of work, she can usually be found sliding down a mountain near her home in Bend, Ore.

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