Here’s Bingo. She’s a much loved Labradoodle, she’s a senior dog now (13 years old) but we think we still have a good few years with her. Bingo unfortunately has Cushing disease.
Basically what this means is that Bingo overproduces cortisol. It’s something to do with the adrenal glands not providing the normal feedback mechanisms. Cushing disease eventually results in negative effects on the body due to the sustained overproduction and release of cortisol. Signs associated with Cushing disease can include:
• Increased drinking and urination
• Increased appetite
• Thinning hair
• Muscle weakness
• Liver enlargement
Cortisol overproduction can also cause problems with the body’s regulation of sugar, a condition that can predispose a pet to developing diabetes. So it’s important to treat as soon as possible.
First off our vet did a blood test which involved a day stay at the clinic. They do the test by drawing a small amount of blood to check the baseline (“starting”) cortisol level. Afterward, a very small dose of cortisol is given by injection. Repeat blood samples are then taken at specific intervals (a few hours apart) to measure the cortisol level and determine if the body’s response to the injection of cortisol is appropriate. The blood samples are submitted to a diagnostic laboratory.
Following the test (which proved positive) the vet prescribed a dosage of Trilosane pills. Bingo is now on these pills for the rest of her life – she currently has 2 a day, but she still needs to go to the vet every 6 months for blood tests to ensure the dosage of her pills is appropriate to her needs.
You’ll be surprised at how the cost adds up, and also remember this is a chronic illness, so we will be paying these costs for as long as our gorgeous girl stays with us.
Blood tests 2 x per year: $600
Medication: $3,219 (yes that’s right – $8.42 a day for 2x a day– and these are the non-branded variety too).
Total cost per year, excluding heartworm, check ups and any other ailments: $3,819.00.
Now that’s when pet insurance comes in handy, and as this is a chronic (recurring) condition, it shows how important it is to have pet insurance, such as Petsecure, that covers chronic conditions (like Cushings Disease) for as long as you keep your pet insurance policy continuously in place! In the above example, with a policy that pays an 85% benefit, you would only be up for $572.00 per year, instead of $3,819. Now that’s quite a saving, even when you consider the cost of the premiums.
Liz Walden
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Thank you, this helps.
My 15 year old chihuahua has cushings and it seems half the vets say treat it while the others say don’t, and personally I know one pet owner who did treat their dog while another did not. Both of these dogs had similar lengths of life with similar health issues. It seems it’s a 50/50, leaving me with a constant inner debate of whether to treat my Chihuahua or not. Any suggestions?
Hi Corey, I would be taking advice from the vet. Every diagnosis and pooch is different so that needs to be accounted for. I treated my Labradoodle for Cushings over many years – she lived to 15 years old. Will never know if we would have had the same outcome with no treatment! Liz
Isn’t that about the average life expectancy of a dog after being diagnosed with Cushing disease and if you don’t have health insurance or those thousands of dollars isn’t it just as humane to let the dog live their lives with out the horrible side effects of the pills and then go save a different dog slated for death at the pound?
Hi Debbie, thank you for your comment. From personal experience, there were no nasty side effects from drugs for Cushings, but that’s not to say that it never happens. Complications of Cushing’s syndrome include high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and diabetes, and as you know it can be life threatening. It’s a personal choice (and I would think in consultation with your vet) whether you choose to medicate or not.