How much are you paying for ACTH2 test?

[ElectricPotato]

Hi. I just found this forum googling for this test. Our dog was recently diagnosed with Cushings. We're currently in the phase of determining the correct dosage of vetoryl for him to be on. The first time he had the ACTH2 test, it was $57.

The description of the test on my bill is:
ANTECH Cortisol Serial 2 (ACTH2) w/ Gel

A new owner recently took over at the vet we go to and the 2nd test we just had a couple of days ago was a whopping $150!

Just curious if this is way out of line or was the first test of $57 way too cheap?

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[Squirt's Mom]

WOW! If you got an ACTH for $57, you got a real BARGAIN! :D Now, I'm not sure what an ACTH2 test is so that may be the difference. There is a test called the SNAP ACTH that is done inhouse so that may be what the first ACTH was VS one that is sent off to an outside lab.

$57......still amazed! :p

Can you tell us more about your baby? How did he come to be tested for Cushing's in the first place? What signs are you seeing? How much does he weigh? Does he have any other health problems? On any meds, supplements or herbs? If so, what for?

Dosage is not based on test results, dosage is based on weight. So the testing is probably for confirmation of the diagnosis as this is one of the most difficult canine diseases to correctly diagnose. If you could, please get copies of all the testing your boy has had done to diagnose the Cushing's and post the abnormal results here along with units and normal ranges. That will help us a great deal in helping you. ;)

I'm glad you found us and look forward to learning more as time passes. For now, just know two things with no doubt - 1) Cushing's is not typically a death sentence. In fact, cush pups on proper treatment live out their normal life-span, often more - so if you have read the "2-year" myth, remember, it is just that - a myth. 2) You and your baby are not alone. We will be with you every step of the way, all you ever need to do is holler. ;)

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Roxee's Dad]

Hi and welcome.

There just happens to be a poll which asks the same question. What do you pay for an ACTH stimulation test? U.S. Dollars. You can check the results with this link. :D


http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1148


Looking forward to reading more about your dog and the symptoms that led to the cushings testing.

[frijole]

If it was your first test and you paid only $57 I would worry about what test was actually done... I was fortunate to only pay $140 and my vet explained that a vial of cortrosyn (used for the test) costs the vet $120 and that is why the test is so expensive. There are ways to use less of the bottle and cut those costs but it would be strange to be given the discount for your first vial and not for the second. I would get copies of the actual results where they would have to describe what test was done as well as the lab used.. that might help us solve the mystery. Kim

[lulusmom]

$150 is a bargain and if you only paid $57 for one, somebody made a big mistake on the billing. The cheapest I've paid is $169.

[Bo's Mom]

Wow...that is a bargain. Even paying less than $200 for me is a bargain. With this current vet that Bo sees, I pay $250 and that is because I am taking the cortrysyn to him. The first test I paid well over $400. I guess I have to pay for the marble floors of that beautiful hospital that Bo goes to in order to see the vet. ;)

[Cocker's Mom in FL]

I spent $425 on the low dose dex-meth test. Test came back negative, but blood work suggested Cushing and Vet said next step would be to do the next test which would run $475. The sample has to be sent to Univ of Tenn. Decided not to do it. Still dealing with my pups health issues. It just doesn't get better, all I can do is love her.:(

[humbleshadow]

I paid $150 for the test, plus another $150 or so for an exam by a veterinary specialist. That was after I already paid for a urinalysis, fecal exam, blood test, and some other type of blood test.

[glfprncs]

I feel as though I'm lucky after reading everyone's posts!

T.C.'s first ACTH stim (7 months ago when we first started him in trilostane) was $150. Every ACTH stim after that was $125. He's had a LOT of them over the past 7 months.

[stella]

i paid $440 at the specialists. Her regular doc was around $350 ... Im thinking of asking if he can do her retest and she can read the results. Stella has had about five of these since June.