Buddy, The Mighty Lizard Hunter - Suspected Pituitary Macro Tumor

[Budsters Mom]

Hello again,
For those of you who are not independently wealthy, how do you pay for it all? I am terribly frustrated! Buddy is having an ACTH test on Wednesday To determine if the trilostane is reducing his cortisol levels. They do the first one 7 to 10 days after initializing treatment. This leaves me with a bill of approximately $2000 since the beginning of March. I work in a local public school district. This is my 21st year with the district. I love what I do, but I don't bring home anywhere near two grand in an entire month! I only work nine months out of the year! The $2000 does not include the cost of His meds. It only includes tests and vet bills. These tests have to be done regularly. I am feeling very stressed!

Update:
During the neurology consultation, I found out that buddy did not appear to have a disc problem in his back, causing his hind leg weakness. It could've been caused by a stroke. A $3000 MRI would determine if he had had a stroke. Even if he did have a stroke, there is nothing I can do about that anyway. The doctor said to go ahead and test for Cushing's, that Buddy was stable enough. She said that his hind leg weakness could be due to Cushings Deterioration. She also said that he didn't appear to be in any pain. So yes, Cushing's was tested and found And treatment with Trilo was started. Buddy's stomach has finally began to settle. His allergies,however are going haywire! I know baby steps. Several people including family members has suggested that I put buddy down. That is not something that I'm willing to do even though the bills are continuing to pile up. He has given me 10 years of unconditional love. Illness is not a time to abandon him and I won't do that! Thank you for giving me a safe place to vent.

By the way, When I called the vet to get a quote for Wednesday's test, I also asked for copies of all of Buddy's tests. I'll pick them up on Wednesday.
Hugs, Kathy and Buddy