Concerned mom! (9 y/o Boxer (Arielle))

[Ravenz]

Hi, there! I have 3 babies; but found my 9-yr old Boxer (Arielle) had Cushing's when I wasn't satisfied that she only had a liver condition in December. I researched online with her symptoms and found that her liver condition caused her Cushing's, which also caused a serious ear infection in 1 ear. Her monthly medicine for her liver is not cheap. Her special food and specially prepared Trilostane is not cheap, either. She is a solid 60# and still has lots of energy. The incontinence is annoying 4 her & me because it is not her fault she has to go outside every 30-40 minutes, or she goes on the floor. Her Trilostane is 180mg at 1 ml per day for $299 each month. I have to purchase it every other month because I am on disability and cannot afford the monthly fee. My older boy is 14.5 yrs and on Tramadol and Rimadyl for his leg pain. I can only do so much; but they eat well! I read labels on the bags and have herb books for them. Does anyone know how dog insurance works, and if it is worth it? :confused:

[mytil]

Hi and welcome to our site. I am sorry you and Arielle are having these troubles.

Please post the test and results that produced a Cushing's diagnosis. Simply call your vet and they will make copies for you. It is a good idea to start a folder at home for your girl.

You mentioned liver medicine - what liver values were elevated when your vet performed a blood panel? What medicine are you giving?

Now, I did want to point out that Arielle's Cushing's was not caused by liver problems. It is an endocrine condition that causes large amounts of excess cortisol to be generated by the adrenal glands. This excess cortisol affects the liver (and other organs) and also makes dogs more prone to infections (ear and urinary tract infections for example).

It is very important that your vet have working knowledge of Cushing's, its treatment and have treated successfully. I am wondering if your Arielle had just a liver condition prior to the Cushing's diagnosis and your vet automatically thought Cushing's; of which is a very difficult disease to diagnose.

Terry

[labblab]

Hello and welcome from me, too! As Terry has said, it will help us so much to see the results of Arielle's diagnostic testing and also to find out what medication you are giving her for her liver. Aside from the thirst/urination, are you seeing any other outward symptoms of Cushing's?

As far as pet insurance, I'm afraid that no company will cover an illness or disease that a dog already suffers at the time the application is made. So I don't believe there is any way you could get coverage for Arielle's Cushing's at this point. :(

Jumping to her trilostane, it sounds as though you have a special liquid formulation and that you are dosing her at 180 mg. daily? That is actually a high dose for a dog of her weight -- how long have you been treating her at that dose, and what have her monitoring ACTH tests shown as far as her cortisol level? I am also wondering about the special liquid formulation. I just checked, and you could actually be buying brandname Vetoryl capsules totalling 180 mg. daily for around $200 a month. And compounded capsules of non-brand trilostane would be significantly less than that. I would think that compounded non-brand trilostane liquid should also be much less than what you are paying. At the price you've given us, it sounds as though your liquid must use brandname Vetoryl as the base. But if so, is there a reason why you are using compounded liquid, because it definitely is not saving you any money. :o

Plus, if you are only buying a thirty day supply every other month, how does this mean you are handling the dosing?

Sorry for so many questions, but your answers will help us a great deal as far as our feedback and suggestions.

Again, welcome!
Marianne

[Squirt's Mom]

Am I understanding that your baby is on Trilostane for one month then off the next? If so, the disease will never be controlled and the signs you are seeing will only worsen over time. Trilostane has a very short life in the body - leaving in 2-8 hours. So if your baby is doing without this med every other month, you are fighting a losing battle and wasting huge amounts of money. Look into the options for obtaining Trilostane the Marianne offered to see if you can't provide a steady dose for Arielle each and every day. ;)