Pepper’s Medical Bills

UPDATED!!

I’ve been apart of Pepper’s life for the past five years. Before that she lived an indoor life with a loving senior companion with lots of treats and toys. Sadly her companion passed away and she needed a new home. That’s when I was introduced to this fun loving dog; and all she wanted was a companion to play with. I decided to take it on and it was the best decision! Pepper and I have spent the last five years making the most of what life has to offer. Traveling all over Oregon with the exception of southeast Oregon (*fingers crossed* we’ll have the chance to check out that corner together.) Exploring many trails and enjoying delicious food along the way. And we’re not ready to call it quits quite yet.

Since the beginning of this year Pepper has been dealing with her health. We’ve been managing her arthritis and been keeping up with dental work. So we had blood work done to prepare for her annual dental appointment and found out she has elevated liver enzyme’s. This alarmed our primary vet and referred us to a specialist. We then had an ultrasound performed, it showed that her liver looks fine but that she has a mass on her left adrenal gland and is likely to have cushing’s disease. Her mass could be benign or malignant, the only way to know for certainly is to remove the mass for biopsy.

At this point we know she has cushing’s disease. After considering surgery (estimated at $7,644 - $12,380) and the many complications that could come along with it, we have decided to go the medication route. Even though it comes with it’s own complications and is also costly. But currently Pepper’s quality of life is good and I don’t feel we should risk it with surgery, she is 13 years old. So here is the rundown of the future expenses that are subject to change.

Veterinary visits every 3 months:

• ACTH Stimulation and Chemistry panel (This review, combined with the results of the tests, will help adjust medication/treatment plan as necessary throughout the course of her disease.) — $311
• Ultrasound (to help monitor the mass on her left adrenal gland) — $680

Monthly medications:

• Triostane (treats the excess cortisol production, a cause of cushing’s disease) — $171
• Ursodiol (treats early gallbladder mucocele, often a problem with patients with cushing’s disease) — $113 (2 month supply)
• Telmisartan (treats protein loss in the kidneys, this can occur due to cancer in the body but is common in patients with cushing’s disease) — $18
• Dasuquin Supplement (treats arthritis) — $45
• Adequan (treats arthritis) — $24

~ $445 a month to treat Pepper’s cushing’s disease along with her arthritis.

On top of all that, we got an estimate for her upcoming dental appointment. — $1,846

We are here asking for your help with either funds or spreading our story. Thank you so much for your time!!

I’ve had a few requests for other methods to donate. You may Venmo me @Holly-Sprague-5 or I also take cash/check donations. Thanks again!!