The 8 most expensive dog insurance claims

If you’re like us, you’d do anything for your beloved pet. But that doesn’t mean you’d be thrilled about facing a large vet bill if they became ill or injured. Having dog insurance in place can help take the bite out of the cost and let you focus on getting your dog the care they need.

Here we look at dog insurance claims at the more expensive end of the scale. These are some of the more costly claims we’ve seen, including what causes these conditions, and how they’re treated.

Top 8 most expensive dog insurance claims*

1. Atrioventricular (AV) block (degree unspecified) – £10,310.12
2. Fracture of thoracic limb – carpal bones, multiple – £10,024.84
3. Adenocarcinoma – aural (ear) – £9,234.47
4. Empyema – other – £8,557.57
5. Meningioma – intracranial – £8,447.04
6. Polyradiculoneuropathy – £8,015.92
7. Myelitis (spinal cord) – £7,940.17
8. Joint luxation – tarsus – £7,476.56

*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between January 2026 and July 2026.

Now we’ll take a closer look at each condition and its treatment.

1. Atrioventricular (AV) block – £10,310.12

An atrioventricular block - shortened to an AV block or heart block - affects the electrical signals that control a dog’s heartbeat. This can cause it to beat too slowly. The effects depend on how severe the block is. Some dogs with a mild AV block show no obvious symptoms, while more serious cases can cause fainting.

Vets may use an electrocardiogram (ECG), heart scan and other tests to identify the type of heart block and look for an underlying cause. Mild cases may only need monitoring. But dogs with a more serious AV block may need a pacemaker to keep their heart beating at a safe and steady rate. Specialist tests, surgery to fit the pacemaker and ongoing check-ups can all add to the cost of treatment.

2. Fracture of the carpal bones – £10,024.84

The carpal bones are a group of small bones that form a dog’s wrist, between the front leg and paw. They can break after a serious accident, such as a fall or being hit by a vehicle. Your dog may be unable to put weight on the injured leg. You might also notice pain, swelling or an unusual angle around the wrist. These fractures can be complicated because many small bones, joints and ligaments sit close together.

Your vet will usually take X-rays and may use a CT scan to check the damage. Treatment may involve surgery using plates, screws, wires or an external frame to hold the bones in place. In severe cases, some joints may need to be fused. Surgery, scans, pain relief and rehabilitation can make treatment expensive.

3. Aural adenocarcinoma – £9,234.47

An aural adenocarcinoma is a rare cancerous tumour found in or around a dog’s ear. It usually affects the ear canal and can spread into nearby tissue. The signs can look like an ongoing ear infection. Your dog may shake their head, scratch their ear or have pain, swelling, discharge, an unpleasant smell, bleeding or a visible lump. Tumours deeper in the ear may also cause balance problems.

Your vet may examine the ear under sedation or anaesthetic, take a tissue sample and use a CT scan to check whether the cancer has spread. Treatment usually involves surgery. This may mean removing the whole ear canal and tissue around the middle ear. Radiotherapy may also help if the tumour can’t be fully removed.

4. Empyema – £8,557.57

An empyema is a build-up of infected fluid or pus inside a body cavity. In dogs, it most often affects the space around the lungs and is also known as pyothorax. Possible causes include a chest wound, an infection or a foreign object such as a grass seed, although the cause isn’t always clear. Dogs may develop a fever, seem tired, lose their appetite or have trouble breathing. Some become seriously unwell and need urgent treatment.

Treatment usually involves draining and flushing the infected area, along with antibiotics and pain relief. Some dogs also need surgery to remove damaged tissue or a foreign object. Scans, hospital care and repeated procedures can make treatment expensive.

5. Intracranial meningioma – £8,447.04

A meningioma is a tumour that grows in the tissue around the brain. Many grow slowly but can still cause serious problems as they press against the brain. Signs depend on the tumour’s size and location. They may include seizures, balance problems, weakness, changes in behaviour, unusual walking or circling. Always contact your vet if you notice these signs.

An MRI scan is usually needed to find the tumour and plan treatment. Options include surgery, radiotherapy or both. Medication can also control seizures or reduce swelling. Specialist scans, brain surgery and radiotherapy can make treatment expensive. Your vet can explain what to expect based on the tumour and how your dog responds to treatment.

6. Polyradiculoneuropathy – £8,015.92

Polyradiculoneuropathy affects the nerves that carry messages between the spinal cord and muscles. It can cause weakness, often starting in the back legs before spreading through the body.

Dogs may become unsteady, find it difficult to stand or be unable to walk for a while. Their bark may also change and, in more serious cases, swallowing or breathing can be affected. These symptoms can be worrying, but many dogs gradually improve with time and good nursing care.

Treatment depends on the cause. This may include physiotherapy, help with eating and drinking, and soft bedding to protect their skin. Some dogs need hospital care or breathing support, and recovery can take several weeks or months.

7. Myelitis – £7,940.17

Myelitis is inflammation of the spinal cord. It may be caused by an unusual immune response or, less often, an infection. The inflammation disrupts messages between the brain and body.

Signs depend on the area affected. Dogs may have pain, weakness, poor coordination or trouble walking. More serious cases can cause paralysis or loss of bladder and bowel control. These signs can appear quickly, so contact your vet straight away.

Tests may include blood tests, an MRI scan and a sample of the fluid around the spinal cord. Treatment depends on the cause and may include medicines for the immune system or an infection. Physiotherapy, nursing care and check-ups can also support recovery.

8. Tarsal joint luxation – £7,476.56

The tarsus is the group of bones and joints that forms a dog’s hock, near the bottom of the back leg. A tarsal luxation happens when one of these joints becomes dislocated, usually after a fall, collision or awkward twist. Dogs may be unable to put weight on the leg. The joint can look swollen or unstable, while the paw may sit at an unusual angle. Ligaments, tendons and nearby bones may also be damaged.

X-rays help your vet check the injury, although further scans may be needed. Some joints can be moved back into place and supported with a cast or splint. More complicated injuries may need surgery to repair ligaments, fix broken bones or fuse part of the joint. Follow-up care and physiotherapy can help restore strength and movement.

Why dog insurance is essential

Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can support your dog’s general wellbeing, but unfortunately not every illness or injury can be prevented. As these claims show, specialist tests, emergency treatment, surgery and ongoing care can quickly add up.

Having dog insurance in place can help with unexpected vet bills, depending on your policy and whether the condition is covered. This means you can focus on getting your dog the care they need without the same financial worry.

And if you take out dog insurance with Agria, all our policies come with 24/7 access to vet video calls through the Agria app.

Find out more about our lifetime insurance and multi-pet insurance policies.