No pet owner ever wants to hear that their dog or cat is sick. After all, a healthy pet is a happy pet, and a happy pet means a happy pet owner. In March of 2021, Renee noticed her cat was displaying unusual symptoms, so she took the cat to the vet.  After multiple tests, she heard the devastating words “Your cat has cancer.” Her ten-year-old cat, Dr. Tongue, was diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma. 

Intestinal lymphoma is the most common form of lymphoma in cats and becomes more likely as they age.

Signs of lymphoma in cats to watch out for are: 
  • Weight loss 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Decreased appetite 
  • Lethargy 
  • A mass or firm growth in the abdomen 

Dr. Tongue’s treatment plan required intensive surgery at a specialty hospital followed by several months of chemotherapy with a pet oncology specialist. The costs associated with his care stacked up quickly, but Renee and her partner were prepared.  

“Thankfully, Dr. Tongue has Petsecure insurance. We were reimbursed for the majority of the cost, which definitely made things a lot less stressful for us,” she said. “Petsecure had our back, promptly reimbursing our claims." 

Learn more about Petsecure’s four coverage plans and how you can start protecting your pet today. 
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He "graduated" from chemo in September of 2021, and was cancer-free for two full years! Unfortunately, lymphoma often relapses, and Dr. Tongue’s follow-up tests with his vet showed he was no longer in remission. Once again, he underwent treatment, and once again, Renee was able to make claims for these bills with Petsecure.  

“Dr. Tongue ‘graduated’ again in April of 2024, but went out of remission in July and needed to restart chemo. Yet again, we've been able to count on Petsecure to make sure Dr. Tongue has every chance,” said Renee.  

Dr. Tongue’s outcome could have looked very different if his family hadn’t been able to afford his treatment plan. With the help of pet health insurance, Renee and her partner were able to say “yes” to the care their cat needed time and again. Dr. Tongue has been doing his best to thrive since his initial diagnosis three years ago. 
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“Without Petsecure, we might have had to make different treatment choices. Choices based on what we could afford, rather than what would be in Dr. Tongue's best interests." 

We are extremely grateful to pet owners like Renee for sharing their story and emphasizing the importance of having pet health insurance in Canada. We wish Dr. Tongue all the best in his future and to get well soon! 


We’ve got your cat covered. Get your free pet insurance quote start protecting them today!  


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