I'm pretty sure I know the answer but hoping to get some reassuring replies.
I have a much adored 10yo staffie, we rescued him 5 years ago but he's never been the healthiest of dogs. He has had various illnesses and injuries since we've had him and spent close to £10,000 on vet fees and medication. He now has a tumour in his pituitary gland (Cushings disease) on top of hyperthyroidism which causes some awful symptoms. He's on medication to treat the symptoms which is very expensive and we know that the Cushings is incurable and progressive. At the last test 2 months ago he was doing well, no need to see the vet for 6 months. Brilliant we thought. Then 3 weeks ago there's a new symptom of ulcers in his eyes and the vet thinks it's due to the Cushings deteriorating quicker than expected. Topical treatment isn't working so the vet wants to check the cushings and adjust the meds. The tests are very expensive and he'll need at least 2, more if his symptoms don't settle down. It's not guaranteed that this is the cause or that it'll solve the issue. Even if it does work it's just a matter of time before there will be further deterioration.
I'm quite matter of fact about it. He's an old dog who looks quite sad most of the time, although he does still get excited about some things. I hate to put a price on his head but we're currently paying over £200 a month for medication as it is. We can't afford to keep throwing money at the problem. We have no life outside of the house because every spare penny we have is paid out for vet fees or medication. DP has a different view, he wants to keep treating the symptoms until the vet says he's in constant pain or insists we should have him PTS.
What would you do? Any suggestions would be a great help.