Help! How to test for Cushings

[marie_d_3]

My mare got diagnosed with Cushings about 6 months ago due to laminitis and physical signs of the disease. Since then she has been on 1mg of Pergolide a day and has improved beyond all recongnition. Over the last week though I have noticed an increase in her drinking water and her bed is wetter again. I will call the vet out today but I don't want them to just up the Pergolide dose without looking into things further. What tests should I expect them to do for Cushings and how will it help with treating her?

Thanks

Marie

 

[ImogenBurrows]

The most straightforward test for Cushings now is a simple ACTH test. one blood sample taken, spun down at the practice then serum sent away in a chiller pack and results about 2-3 days later! Et Viola!!!

How will it help? Well, if normal it will lead the vets to believe there maybe another cause of these issues; if the ACTH level is high (>49 seasonally adjusted! ) then adjusting the dose maybe necessary.

HTH
Imogen

 

[marie_d_3]

Thanks Imogen. My practice have only just got the facility to do this test, that's why I wasn't offered it before. They said i will be their guinea pig!

 

[SpruceRI]

Hi

May I ask how much ££ the test should be approx?

 

[ImogenBurrows]

The test is sent to Liphook and I think it's about £35-40 for the test and then whatever your vet charges for the blood sample.!