I got Cruella’s test results back today. The tumor causing her Cushing’s Disease is located in the pituitary gland, so surgery is not an option. The disease has to be managed with a chemotherapy drug called Lysodren. The induction phase will last from 1-3 weeks and will require daily meds. After induction, Cruella will go on lifetime maintenance, which will require medication a couple of times per week. I called around to pharmacies all over town, and so far, the cheapest price I’ve found is $226 for 50 pills. And that’s not the worst. During induction, Cruella will be closely monitored with weekly bloodwork. $180 a pop! My pocketbook is crying already. Guess it’s time to bump up the old blog income again!
And there’s even more bad news - horrible news, as a matter of fact. Many dogs take Lysodren for years without any problems; however, the drug can be fatal in some pets. It requires watching your pet constantly for signs of a bad reaction. You even have to keep an antidote on hand. The drug is designed to erode the adrenal gland to control the body’s production of corticosteroids, but the erosion should be controlled. If it happens too quickly, the effects can be tragic.
I have a consult with Cruella’s doctor on Friday afternoon. I will be presented with all the facts, risks, and other details and then asked to think it over and make a decision regarding her treatment. I’m fairly certain I’ll go with the treatment mentioned above. It’s really the only one that gives any hope for her condition. I’ve talked with the doctor quite a bit already about the treatment plan, but she will go more into detail on Friday. I’m just afraid that I will make the wrong decision. If I choose to treat her with Lysodren and something terrible happens, I will never forgive myself.
Please keep Miss Cruella in your thoughts. I’ll keep you posted as the situation develops.
May 20th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Best wishes for Cruella and for you.
It’s often hard to know what’s best for our pets. They’d do anything for us, so of course we want to do anything we can for them.
May 20th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I’m so sorry the tumor is inoperable. My heart goes out to you - it is an awful thing to see your pet sick. I’m keeping you and Cruella in my thoughts and prayers, Tish. Keep us posted.
May 21st, 2008 at 10:46 am
I know you’ll do the right thing whatever you decide, Tish. After all, Cruella has the best mommy in the whole wide world.
May 21st, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Whatever you decide, you’ll decide with the best of intentions for Cruella’s treatment — no doubt about it. Sending positive thoughts your way.
May 21st, 2008 at 6:34 pm
I’ve always trusted my Mum to make the right decision, and whatever that decision is I support her, no matter what. And I am sure that Cruella feels absolutely the same way - whatever decision you make will be the right one. You are a great pup Mum. Love will guide you and will guide Cruella. We are praying for both of you and a successful treatment! We love you!