An update...
We found out the results of the testing. Little Bones does have Cushing's Disease for sure. This is not a huge surprise, as something was clearly wrong.
It's an endocrine disrupting condition. It's the reason why he's peeing, a LOT. He can't help himself. He's incredibly thirsty and basically over-drinking water, obsessively. He's also pretty itchy, as it has effects on his skin. I tried for years to get him help for his itchy skin, but they never found the cause... until now.
This, on top of a diagnosis of a crushed trachea, which will degenerate over time as well. He's currently 7 in human years, and relatively active again.
But... and here's the tough part. The cost. Cushing's Disease treatment is relatively expensive. The initial vet appointment was $163 (not including the vet appt 3 weeks prior to diagnose the crushed trachea). The test all by itself was $247. Three weeks of meds for Cushings is $50, but then they need to test him again to see if it's the right dose. Then a possible dosage increase for 2 more weeks, then another test, then a final dosage assigned. Meds can be up to about $98 per month.
I did the math. It's not in the budget. If it was my kid, of course it would be in the budget. It sucks that I have to put a price on little Bone's life like this. We will be considering having him euthanized. How horrible is that?!? In all reality, he WILL be euthanized eventually... due to his crushed trachea. I don't want him to suffer, and eventually he WILL suffer. Right now, we are suffering with cleaning up large pee messes 2 and 3 times daily. I have all wood floors, but... it's a constant mess and a hazard. The floor is SUPER slippery when wet. My daughter has fallen badly a couple of times... on her knee... which we had operated on a year ago. I can't increase her risk either.
I know what my logical mind would do. But my heart needs more time to process it all........
