The Expensive Stuff Labs Get Into
Labs are basically walking appetites with joint problems. At least that's been my experience.
The bread incident cost me $400. But that was nothing compared to what came later.
Hip Problems Are Real
Moose started limping when he was 4. Just a little bit at first. I figured he'd pulled something chasing squirrels.
Nope. Hip dysplasia.
The vet showed me the X-rays. His hip joints looked nothing like they should. Surgery was going to cost $5,200. For one hip.
I asked if we could wait. Maybe it would get better on its own. The vet just looked at me. That's when I realized how naive I was being.
The Food Thing Gets Expensive
Labs don't just eat everything. They get fat doing it.
Moose gained 15 pounds one winter. I didn't even notice until the vet pointed it out. Apparently I'd been overfeeding him for months.
Now he's on prescription diet food. $80 a bag. Plus regular weight checks. Plus blood work to monitor for diabetes.
The vet said obesity in Labs leads to all kinds of problems. Joint stress, heart issues, diabetes. The list goes on.
That Weird Collapsing Thing
This one caught me completely off guard. Moose was playing fetch at the park when he just... stopped. Collapsed. Couldn't get up for maybe 30 seconds.
I thought he was having a heart attack. Rushed him to the emergency vet. They said it's something called Exercise-Induced Collapse. Genetic thing in Labs.
Not life threatening, but scary as hell when it happens. Now I have to watch how hard he plays.
What Actually Matters in Lab Insurance
After going through all this with Moose, I have opinions about what Lab insurance should cover.
Joint Coverage Is Non-Negotiable
If your Lab insurance doesn't cover hip and elbow problems, what's the point? It's like insuring a house but not covering the roof.
Make sure they cover the surgery AND the ongoing arthritis management. Moose will need joint supplements and pain meds for the rest of his life.
Some policies try to exclude orthopedic stuff as 'hereditary.' Don't fall for that.
Weight Management Actually Helps
I used to think wellness coverage was a waste of money. Now I get it.
Regular weight checks and nutritional counseling might have prevented Moose's weight gain. Prevention is way cheaper than treatment.
Look for policies that cover routine wellness visits. Your future self will thank you.