Hello,
My sweet Golden Doodle Teddy has adrenal cushings (ultrasound confirmed a tumor on his adrenal gland). Like many of you the diagnosis only came after I did my own research - he was put on Vetroyl for 4 months, but then clinical signs worsened (hair loss, pot belly, excess drinking/urination) My vet never determined the type of cushings so I asked for an ultrasound, and it is adrenal. The ultrasound doc says this type will not respond to Vetryol so I took him to NCSU for surgery, but didn't go through with it when they went over the cost (6-8k) and the risk (80% survive, but he could throw a clot and die even a few weeks after a successful surgery). They doubled his Vetryol - he now gets one 10mg in the morning and one 10mg at dinner (he weighs 30ibs) - but I don't really know why we are doing that - even their after care notes say it will produce short-lived improvement if any improvement at all. I don't see any improvement - his stomach makes gurgling sounds when he is resting. I don't know how the drug makes him feel I just watch out for signs of Addisons and so far that has not happened. NCSU did say his vet started him on a smaller does (10mg/day) then they do so they thought this increase might produce some benefit.
I am struggling with my decision not to do the surgery. He is 12.5 years old but very puppy like - loves to chase a ball, happy, sweet (other than biting my fingers when I try to give him food because he is so ravenous all the time. Also he now eats trash and poops paper towels if I am not very careful).
They said there was no vena cava invasion at this point but if I come back in 3 months that might not be the case. Also the other adrenal gland is a little smaller and it could continue to deteriorate if I wait on surgery.
Questions I failed to ask - What is his prognosis? How will the disease progress? (he started showing signs of disease about 16 months ago.)
I've been looking up alternative treatments and diet - not sure if it will help and I find some conflicting info about the raw food diet. Maybe diet could improve symptoms but I don't think it can actually change tumor growth?
He looks so pitiful with the bald patches, the thinning skin, a calcified tip on his tail - but I do not think that he is in physical pain but I am worried that I might not know if he is suffering.
I found a local vet that is described as holistic and I am calling tomorrow to see if I can get an appointment. Any thoughts on what I should ask?
How do I make peace with not doing the surgery - the thought of curing him is very appealing, but $8000 is a lot of money and I would hate to lose him in the process (and still pay that bill).
I've never gone through losing a pet and with him being so puppy-like it's easy to feel like he would be with me for many more years...I feel like surgery would be buying time but putting off the inevitable goodbye.. I just never thought about seeing my happy dog wither in front of me. It's hard. I feel like I need replies to that as much as to the treatment questions. Thank you for your time.