Buddy, The Mighty Lizard Hunter - Suspected Pituitary Macro Tumor

Kathy,

I am happy that he responded so quickly. I think that he is correct that the price of the MRI, is not in line with what others have paid.

hugs,
Sharlene

Wow he's fast! Imagine how many emails he gets too. Way to go.

OK so based on what he was told he agrees with what your vet is telling you re the problem. He agrees with your thoughts on staying on the trilo/pred combo. He feels the MRI cost is out of line and says an mri is necessary if you want to know for sure.

How do you feel? It was short but he seemed to address alot of your questions and give you honest answers. Kim

Buddy is not on the Trilo Prednisone combo yet. He is only getting Trilo at this time. I decided that keeping Buddy on the Trilo and adding Prednisone would be the best course of action for Buddy after researching numerous articles. I am still waiting to hear from his vet. He was going to contact the neurosurgeon that did Buddy's consultation to get her input and review all of Buddy's tests. Buddy's appointment was last Tuesday. I just forwarded my email to Dr. B and his response on to my vet. I want to get the prednisone started ASAP. Reducing brain swelling could help with the tremors making Buddy more comfortable. You asked how I am feeling. I am relieved to get some honest answers from an expert such as Dr. B. I am sad that Buddy's prognosis is grim, but I would rather know. I am thrilled that Dr. B responded so quickly. I just emailed him this afternoon! I am feeling a mix of emotions right now. I wish I could do more. Ask me how I'm feeling tomorrow and it will probably be something entirely different.;)

Hugs,
Kathy

Kathy:
I am glad to hear you are breathing a sigh of relief after talking to Dr. B. At least you know where you stand. I just really can't believe the price of that MRI. Tipper and I are still praying for a miracle to come thru for your precious Buddy. He is too cute, I wish Tipper could meet him as I talk to her about Buddy quite often. I still believe in miracles so maybe God will have mercy on Buddy ad grant him one. God Bless You and Buddy
Patti

Patti,
I am sure that Buddy would love to meet Tipper.;):) He loves everybody! The mailman, UPS delivery man, salesman, etc., all his very best friends. Buddy loves company, the more the better! He is a very friendly chap!:D

Hugs,
Kathy

Kathy
So pleased that you heard back from doc so quickly.At least you have prob THE BEST opinion of how to treat at this point.I would be very anxious to start the prednisone as well.You and Buddy have been in my prayers and I hope that you hear back from your vets soon enough so that you can start him on the new medication.Hope Buddy is having a good day and the lizard hunting is plentiful today.:)
Patty

Kathy, I'm really surprised and pleased that Dr. B replied so quickly, too! :)

Dang, I just wish he'd gone into more detail, though. Like, what would be the best dosing formula for the supplemental prednisone? But I guess you can always ask follow-up questions once you've heard back from the neurosurgeon. ;)

Marianne

P.S. Somehow I had missed that $3,000 quote for the MRI. That does seem exceedingly high. I think we were quoted no more than $1,000 and maybe even less. FWIW, I think a CT is even less expensive for people who mainly want confirmation of the presence or absence of an enlarged tumor. My impression was that the radiation oncologists would have wanted an MRI if we had pursued radiation treatment. But solely for the purposes of diagnostics, a CT may be a cheaper alternative. We didn't even pursue a CT, though, ourselves.

So glad you got a quick reply. Well if this vet thinks the fee for the MRI was inflated then it must be. Certainly it would be most expensive in a city like L.A. and if it's less there it should be less everywhere.
It will be interesting to hear what your vet and the neuro suggest now. The Trilo/Pred combo sounds like a good way to turn so Buddy can remain comfortable. Hopefully you will hear from your team soon.
Glad your summer break is in sight!! :D yay!
Barbara

Marianne,
I cut and pasted part of the email that I sent to Dr. B. .....

Quote....
They recommended a $3000 MRI. If he had a or tumor or a stroke, it would probably show on the MRI. The other option was to test for Cushings, start treatment if found and wait for more neuro symptoms to appear. I had already spent more than $1600 the previous week on vet bills and did not have an additional $3000 for an MRI. I chose the second option and Cushing's testing was started the next day.
End of quote....

The Vet specialty hospital where Buddy had his Neuro exam game me a quote of over $3000 for an MRI. I don't have the exact amount with me. I think it was actually something like $3200. I remember feeling devastated at that moment, knowing that I didn't have the money. Now that the general consensus of all the docs including Dr. B is the presence of a macro tumor. I am satisfied with that. I don't need to beg, borrow or steal to come up with that kind of money. I would prefer to go ahead and start treatment knowing that a macro tumor is highly suspicious (per Dr. B). Starting the prednisone might help reduce inflammation which could minimize Buddy's head tremors. It is all about making him comfortable for as long as possible. This morning he was telling me off because he thought his breakfast was late and he was having none of it! Still spunky, eats well, poops are good, Cushing symptoms controlled (except for rear leg weakness), still an opinionated little busy body, has to be the center of attention, Knows that the world revolves around him, is smarter than all of my family put together and forever the hunter! :);) As long as he's happy and doesn't seem to be in pain, we'll continue on. The journey continues......

Thanks for all the love,
Hugs,
Kathy

I looked up the quote from the vet specialty hospital for the MRI when I got home. It is $3147.29
The price includes:
MRI Imaging
MRI Interpretation fee
General Anesthesia technician
Anesthetic protocol and induction of drugs
Catheterization – intravenous
Day case/nursing care

This is the actual quote that I was given at the time of Buddy's neuro consultation. :(