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Rubys-mum
09-13-2014, 09:03 AM
Hi there. I am new to this forum, which is found via Google. I live in Australia and my Ruby is a 9 year old silky terrier cross (we think cross maltese) who has had a terrible run.

Back in April, we rushed her to the vet hospital as she was listless, not eating and vomiting. After a week and AU$3000 later, she was diagnosed with diabetes. She then went onto 2 insulin injections a day. She did seem to improve but her blood glucose level was never fully controlled and my poor girl must have felt like a pin cushion, even though she never flinches at all the needles and blood glucose testing.

Last week, however, Ruby once again went into a ketoacidotic state. This time we took her to the vet surgery who finally tested for underlying conditions. At this point, we were also discussing whether it was worth putting her through all of the pain and if euthanising her would be for the best. However, at the last minute, the final blood test came back confirming Cushings Disease.

Today we brought her home and she is back to eating and seems much happier. But between insulin and medication for Cushings, and regular testing, I'm worried for her.

On top of everything, the costs are huge....$4000+ so far in vet bills! Plus regular blood tests, insulin, vetoryl, syringes, etc etc.

So any advice on reducing costs and helping Ruby manage these would be appreciated. Right now we feel like we've just lived through a whirlwind of emotion. We also have a maltese shitzu cross who has been following her like a shadow ever since we brought her home.

LauraA
09-13-2014, 10:48 AM
Hi Ruby's mum 😊 I am in Australia as well. Once they have her dose stabilised then you should be able to get the drug from a compound pharmacy. It is a lot cheaper! Can't help with the diabetes sorry as my girl only has the Cushings but sure someone will be along soon with more info.

molly muffin
09-13-2014, 11:18 AM
Hello and welcome to the forum.

If you haven't found them already I highly encourage you to also join our sister diabetes site as they have a lot of experience with diabetes and can give you some pointers on that front.

http://www.k9diabetes.com/forum/

Once you get the cushings regulated, it is usually easier to regulate the diabetes. Normally we like to have diabetes regulated first before starting cushing meds, but that doesn't always work, in that sometimes you can't get the diabetes regulated.

How much does Ruby weigh and what does of which medication is she on?

Do you have test results that you can share with us, showing the abnormal range only?
Something like this:

ALKP 850ug (range 5 - 50ug)

This will help us to get a better perspective as to what is going on.

I'm going to change your thread title to add diabetes and cushings to the title so that other members who are going through the same thing can find you easily.

As Laura said, compounding is a cheaper way to go with trilostane and a possibility. Others will be along to give their input too.

Welcome again to the forum.
Sharlene and molly muffin