Diagnosis: $500-$1,500. Lifelong Trilostane: $50-$200/month. Cushing's (hyperadrenocorticism) causes excessive cortisol. Signs: excessive drinking/urination, pot-bellied appearance, hair loss. Most common in older dogs but often blamed on aging. Treatment manages but doesn't cure it.
Two types: pituitary-dependent (85%) - a benign tumor triggers excess cortisol from adrenal glands. Adrenal-dependent (15%) - tumor on the adrenal gland overproduces cortisol. Iatrogenic form occurs from long-term steroid medication. Most common in dogs over 8 years old.
Excessive drinking and urination (most common). Increased appetite. Pot-bellied appearance. Hair loss and thin skin. Recurrent infections. Panting, muscle weakness, lethargy. Many owners dismiss these as normal aging. Symptoms develop gradually over months.
Blood work ($100-$200) shows elevated liver enzymes and cholesterol. ACTH stimulation test ($200-$400) or low-dose dexamethasone suppression test ($200-$400) confirms excess cortisol. Abdominal ultrasound ($200-$400) evaluates adrenal glands for tumors. Average $500-$1,500.
Trilostane (Vetoryl) is standard: $50-$200/month. Requires ACTH tests at 10 days, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, then every 3-6 months ($200-$400 each). Adrenal tumor surgery: $2,000-$5,000 (risky but potentially curative for adrenal-dependent cases). Average $50-$200/month.
Diagnosis, medication, and frequent monitoring. Subsequent years: $1,500-$4,000/year.
Poodles, Dachshunds, Beagles, and Boxers are most commonly affected. Senior dogs of any breed are susceptible.
Pituitary Cushing's is managed with medication lifelong. Adrenal tumors may be surgically removed if benign.
No prevention for naturally occurring Cushing's. Avoid long-term steroid use when possible to prevent iatrogenic form.
02/04
Most policies cover Cushing's as a standard illness - including diagnostics, Trilostane, and monitoring tests. Standard 14-day illness waiting period applies. Since diagnosis and treatment are costly, insurance saves significantly.
Early signs (elevated liver enzymes, excessive thirst, skin issues) are often dismissed as aging. If noted in vet records before enrollment, an insurer could claim pre-existing status. Clean records before enrollment are essential.
At $2,000-$5,000 first year and $1,500-$4,000/year after, Cushing's is highly expensive. Frequent ACTH tests ($200-$400 each) add up fast. Insurance reliably saves thousands over treatment.
Cushing's causes secondary problems - diabetes, UTIs, skin and blood infections. Some insurers link secondary conditions to Cushing's diagnosis. If Cushing's is excluded, related conditions may also be denied.
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