We finally have answers albeit not necessarily ones we would have wanted to hear. At 11.5 years old, Heather has been diagnosed with Cushing's disease. Her ACTH stimulation test results showed her post-cortisol level was 27 (a result of 19 or less would have ruled Cushing's out). This means her body is making too much steroids and definitely explains the hair loss down her back - her thinning hair barely covers her skin now. It also explains why she's constantly thirsty and hungry.
At first, hearing the words Cushing's disease was frightening but it seems there have been improvements in treating this condition over the years and I've heard from many Scottie Moms and Dads that they had years with their fur babies after they were diagnosed. This gives me hope. We started Heather on trilostane yesterday. She will take two pills each morning and in two weeks, we will visit the V-E-T again to redo the ACTH stimulation test. If results look good, Heather will continue taking two pills per day. If test results show there's still room for improvement, we will up the dosage and retest again in another two weeks.
Only two days into our new routine and I'm feeling optimistic. It was a little daunting to hear you have to wear protective gloves when handling the medication and need to wash your hands immediately afterwards but I'm committed to doing whatever makes Heather feel more comfortable. So far, she hasn't had any kind of reaction to the medication whatsoever. The V-E-T mentioned she could feel weak or even get diarrhea but we've been fortunate thus far. My hope is that, in time, she'll be feeling good again and we'll enjoy many more nights with sweet Heather.
Assuming Heather can maintain the current dosage, the cost of her medication per month will be approximately $175. That number will increase, of course, if her next test results show that she needs higher dosages of trilostane. And with every adjustment we make to the medication, we'll need another ACTH stimulation test, which costs roughly $165. My point? Save now, Scottie Moms and Dads, you never know when you might need that "rainy day" fund!
We will, of course, be chronicling Heather's journey with Cushing's disease here on the blog but I urge those of you who have gone through this to lend your support by sharing your stories in the comments section below so that all those reading this can learn from your experience. We greatly appreciate your individual emails to us but feel strongly that any knowledge on this subject should be shared. And so, I ask: what treatment did you select for your Scottie? Any side effects or words of caution? What signs and symptoms did your Scottie display before he or she was diagnosed? For more information on Cushing's disease, check out our friends at ScottishTerrierHealth.com.
Sending gentle hugs to you, Heather, and all the pups. My sweet Westie girl of many years ago had Addison's diseases, the flip side of Cushing's. I know how scary it is. One thought is to do a little research and see if there is a human version of her meds. It might be cheaper if you can buy is at a regular pharmacy (check GoodRX.com for the best price). If not, I would contact the pharmaceutical company (Dechra?) and see what they can do in the way of discounts, coupons, etc.
ReplyDeleteMy one piece of advice is to keep a close eye on her electrolytes. When those were off with my pup with Addison's, it was always a tip off that the meds needed adjustment or that something else needed to be looked at.
Is there any chance of getting her meds cheaper at a human pharmacy? Just a thought & give Miss Heather a kiss for me.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of Heather's diagnosis. I will remember her in my prayers for all the other ailing Scotties, etc. cjsmama has a terrific idea re: purchasing her meds elsewhere. You are wonderful parents and Heather couldn't be in better hands. Stay positive, as I know you will❣❤️❣
ReplyDeleteMy 10 year old was diagnosed with Addison's. Need some help with this one. Have to go back for more testing in two weeks and go from there.
ReplyDeleteWill Keep Heather in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteMy little scottie boy, Ralphie, had Cushings. He fought the battle for several years, and it wasn't always easy, or fun, nor was it cheap. But whatever it takes! Here's to hoping our new little Sofie girl doesn't have to deal with this later on. Hang in there. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts. ����
ReplyDeleteHi Scottie Mom and Heather. Guinness is 12 and has been treated with Vetoryl since he was nine. We get ours from Heartland Veterinary Supply (http://www.heartlandvetsupply.com) and the cost is much less than what you showed you paid. Guin has done well but after 3 years his hair is thinning a lot. He recently was diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidus which means his kidneys are not filtering his water. The symptoms are lots of drinking and peeing same as Cushings. So just watch Heather and if that does not improve significantly, ask her Doc to check for this too. It also is being treated and he has improved a great deal. Good luck and hugs and kisses to sweet Heather....Fergus and Guinness Mom
ReplyDeleteThanks, guys! We will check that site out to see if we can save some money. Appreciate the tip!
DeleteDoes not sound as if the cost of treatment has changed in the last five years. As I previously stated I dealt with this for over seven years the ACTH testing every three months. My vet did the lysodren drug. There are many articles online about trilostane versus lysodren. My Scots Chushings came from the pituitary in the brain and not the adrenal gland above the kidneys.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a friend
Sweet William The Scot
my Scottie, MacDuff, developed Addison's at 2 1/2 and was on Rx till he passed at 6 1/2 - the cost of the med was $150 at the vet - and $50 at Costco -
ReplyDeleteKyla had Addison's (not enough hormone is produced as opposed to Cushing's where there's too much). When she crossed in Dec. 2014, a bottle of meds and four syringes was about $225. She got the shots every 25 days and there were four shots worth in a bottle. Pills didn't work for Kyla so we had to do the shots.
ReplyDeleteAlso try the GoodRx app, it gives discounted prices on human & pet medicines. I looked up the Vetoryl caps and the price started in $47...
ReplyDeleteBest wishes and kisses to Heather. Our first Scottie Ian had Cushings many years ago. Hope you can have many more years with your sweet Heather.
ReplyDeleteI've had two dogs that had CuShings. Corky was diagnosed at 9 and lived to 16.5. Drew was also diagnosed at 9 and lived to 14.5. They started at low dosages and I was able to tell when the dose was too small. They started drinking and peeing constantly. I got my meds from the manufacturer- Wedgewood Pharmacy in New Jersey. The vet did not carry it in stock. When Drew died in 2010, the cost of 100 pills at 120 milligrams was $375. She had started at 20 milligram pills. Neither of the two dogs had any side effects and their quality of life was wonderful. See if the meds are cheaper from Wedgewood. They were wonderful to deal with and everything was delivered in two days. They even sent a sympathy card for the dogs when I did not order more pills. They called to find out why and expressed sympathy to me on the phone and by card.
ReplyDeleteLysodren did not work with Drew. It made her into a rag doll. She was a limp and groggy all of the time. That is why we started on the trilostane. Corky did very well on the Lysodren.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your very informative post today! We hope that Heather continues to not have any bad side effects to her meds, and that she feels much better. She is such a sweet girl! We hope she is with us for a long, long time. You are in our hearts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteRiley-Puppy and Tessie-Girl