[Dailydrool] Help

[Kathie Goblirsch]

Carol Evans wrote:
>
> Does anyone out there have a Basset hound that has Addison's Diease? 
> My Abby has it and has been doing GREAT its my vet that is a problem 
> in the last 9 months he has more then tripled the price of her 
> _monthly_ shot. We have gone from $36.00 to $106.00  I just can't 
> affprd this it would cost me more then $1200.00 dollars a year just 
> for her shot that doesn't include the meds and special dog food and 
> that doesn't include the regular stuff.  I can't decide weather I'm 
> being taken or it for really I'm going to start Monday looking for a 
> new vet but I have to call my vet back to find out the name or the 
> meds in the shot so I can ask another vet.  I was wondering weather if 
> anyone else has a Basset with Addison's what they do to control it?
> I really hope someone can help me.
> Abby and Mom
>

Our Gabby has had Addison's for almost two years now.  And, yes, the 
monthly injections are expensive.  The shot is given according to the 
dog's weight -- so, the heavier the dog, the more Percorten-V they need.
Gabs got her last one on Dec. 30 -- she was weighed at 59.6 lbs. and the 
injection was 1.40 ml(??).  The cost per ml(??) is $53.75.  So her total 
cost was $75.25.  Our vet doesn't charge for the vet tech's time, thank 
heavens!  On the other hand, her daily prednisone pill is dirt cheap.
Note: Percorten is only available in the U.S.  Dogs in other countries 
(Canada, for example) are given different meds -- Florinef, for one.
There is a group for owners of Addison's dogs on Yahoo Groups here:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/AddisonDogs_/?yguid=166399185
Some of those owners have persuaded their vets to let the owners buy the 
Percorten online (needs a prescription) and give the shots themselves.  
It saves *some* money.
Another big expense is the lab tests to see if the dog's sodium and 
potassium levels are being controlled properly.  I try to do those about 
twice a year.
Gabby doesn't have any special food requirements.

Hope this info helps.

Kathie G