I deleted the SPAM for you.
I must have missed this article before. I can relate to you. I am starting to think that modern day dachshunds are on the list of animals that genetics have gone awry. They have shorter front feet than back (which are also wider) and long bodies. Recently I have come to find out that they are highly likely to develop cushings disease, which causes them to have to much cortisone in their system leading to all sorts of health issues, muscle wasting and peeing on the floor for no reason.
Two of my three dachshunds have it. It costs about $600 to diagnose, and over $1,000 a year to treat (about $2,000 the first year). The one that was diagnosed recently we are importing medication from the UK for because it's not available in the states. They also eat "LD" diet, which eases the burden on their liver, which gets taxed from the disease.
So, considering that I have 4 dogs (two with cushings), my yearly dog expense averages around $3,000 for medicine, vaccines, heartworm prevention, food, etc.
Would I give them up? Not for the world. I may need new carpet soon, though!
