worried owner needs advice

[Dizzydi]

my border terrier Harvey is 9 years old and has all the symptoms of cushings disease, I took him to the vet who has took blood to test him for thyroid and general health but seems to think he has this cushings disease. I am worried about the cost of all this Harvey is not insured and we are worried we cannot afford the cost of all the treatments. Could anyone tell me roughly how much we am looking at so we have some idea what to expect. many thanks

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and Harvey,

The initial cost expense is during the diagnostic phase, then when a dog becomes stabilized on treatment the cost does go down considerably.

Here is a post from one of Administrators, Glynda, where she details a cost saving method:
Hi Kelly

The reason why the acth stim test is so expensive is because the stimulating agent, cortrosyn, is ridiculously expensive. There is good news for those with smaller dogs because studies show that while instructions on the .25 mg (250 mcg) vial is to inject the entire vial, only 5 mcg per kg of weight is necessary for an accurate result...

I have provided the url to instructions on how to split, reconsititute and store for future use. This info is brought to us by a highly published and well respected endocrine specialist, Dr. Mark Peterson. Either give the url to your vet or print out the article for him and ask for a revised quote.

http://endocrinevet.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-extend-your-supply-of-cortrosyn.html


Glynda

If you could get copies of all tests that were done on Harvey and post any abnormalities that are listed that will help us to provide more meaningful feedback. Also how much does he weigh and is he taking any other herbs/supplements/medicines?

Cushing's is a difficult disease to get a confirmed diagnosis for and it usually takes multiple tests to validate a diagnosis of Cushing's.

Please know we will help in any way we can so do not hesitate to ask all the questions you want.

Love and hugs,
Lori

[Simba's Mom]

Hello and welcome to you and Harvey, you have found the best site for dogs with cushings, here you will find lots of information and encouragement too....take care, we are here for you and Harvey too, so settle in and read other stories you will learn alot...

[Budsters Mom]

Hello and welcome from me too.:)
I am sorry for the reason that brought you here, but so glad you found us.You have come to the right place! There are many K9Cushing's angels standing by to help and stay with you every step of the way. They love details, test results, any information you can get your hands on. The more the better. We will do all we can to help. So again welcome to you and Harvey.:)

Hugs,
Kathy

[goldengirl88]

Hello:
I just wanted to welcome you to the site. These are wonderful, caring, and knowledgeable people this group. There is a lot of support and help here when you need it. I hope you and Harvey do well. God Bless
Patti

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome from me too.
Telling us as much as possible about the tests done so far and the results will help us to give you better comments on things like what test should be done next or at all, what is a waste of money at this time, etc.
Cushings is very hard to diagnose.
Here is a link to our poll area, where people have posted various costs from around the world for tests, which might give you an idea. It varies by country of course and then even within your immediate area of how much a vet charges for certain tests.

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=28

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Lucy's Momma]

my border terrier Harvey is 9 years old and has all the symptoms of cushings disease, I took him to the vet who has took blood to test him for thyroid and general health but seems to think he has this cushings disease. I am worried about the cost of all this Harvey is not insured and we are worried we cannot afford the cost of all the treatments. Could anyone tell me roughly how much we am looking at so we have some idea what to expect. many thanks

Hi Dizzy, I'm new here...I have a lasa-poo she is going to be 7 june 24th and was diagnosed with Atypical Cushing's, just broke my Heart to know she had anything wrong..she has been thru a series of tests, Ultra sound...her liver is enlarged, has the extended tummy, ravenous about food and water...anyway I spent 1200.00 ..I live in Maine, so don't know if the Cost would be Different from where you are.. I also have had two opinions and a specialist..I love my baby girl!...everything has pointed to Atypical Cushing's, I cried everyday for a long time...but I had to stop crying and work on doing what's best for Lucy...then she had an Accident( jumped out of my SUV upon excitement with my grandbabies,( she never jumps out of the car, have no clue why she did) she just loves them, anyway she pulled a ligament in her back leg, on top of everything else, my poor little girl, what next...ok I have been long winded I'm sorry...I hope things get better for you...