'Greying' pet population a headache to owners

UK has a growing army of "grey pets" who are costing owners rising sums in vets' bills.

It is not only British people who are living longer thanks to better lifestyles and medical advances -- the country also has a growing army of "grey pets" who are costing their owners increasing sums in vets' bills, a study said on Friday.

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According to the survey by an insurance company, many dogs and cats are now living well into their teens, thanks to better awareness among owners about keeping the animals fit, and developments in medical technology.

Of vets surveyed, 94 percent said they could treat more animal illnesses than a decade ago, while diagnostic tests such as ultrasound helped them detect cancer, arthritis and kidney and heart failure earlier.

But the study, which covered 2,500 pet owners and 100 vets, found this new longevity comes at a price.

Conditions such as arthritis are likely to cost owners about 500 pounds (750 euros, 900 dollars) a year to treat on average, while dealing with heart problems could cost almost double that.

The study also found that half of owners would consider alternative treatments such as physiotherapy, homeopathy, laser treatment and hydrotherapy for their ailing pet.

"Vets have access to better equipment, medicine and diagnostic tools today, which is helping us treat a wider range of illnesses. For example, chemotherapy can now prolong the life of animals with cancer," said Sophie de Pelet, veterinary adviser for insurance company More Than, which commissioned the study to advertise its pet medical schemes.

"This trend is set to continue, resulting in many cats and dogs in the UK living much longer than the average lifespan expected a few years ago."