His adoring foster mom still calls six-year-old Luigi her little, pot-bellied bundle of HAPPY. Her little Dude. And she still loves him like crazy! This high-spirited Boston, with the ongoing health issues, is still “the happiest guy in town. Still hiding his foster sibs’ toys in the basement and still pushing around that beaten-up plastic case.”

If ever Luigi needed his positive energy and high spirits and his foster mom’s unflagging love and devotion, it is now. Because, sadly, what was only suspected has finally been confirmed: Luigi suffers from Cushing’s disease.

Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is the overproduction of the hormone, cortisol, by the adrenal glands, located in the belly near the kidneys. Cortisol affects the function of many organs in the body, and an overly large amount of the hormone suppresses the immune system, allowing a dog like Luigi to suffer from recurring bacterial infections.

Although the disease can be controlled, it can never be cured. The treatment is an oral medication that kills the cells in the adrenal glands, causing them to produce fewer hormones. The medication is given in two phases: the induction phase and the maintenance phase, during which time Luigi will be closely monitored by his foster mom for side effects or illness.

If all goes well, the vet will re-test him after the induction phase, again one month later, and again in 3 to 4 months. If his cortisol levels are properly stabilized, Luigi will be checked every 4 to 6 months for the rest of his life – and any time he shows signs of his hormone levels being either too high or too low.

As Luigi begins his treatment, his foster mom has her fingers crossed and her darling dog heartbeat close. The only certainty? That, as part of BTRC’s ‘Set for Life’ program, the costs of Luigi’s medication are ours, not hers. That, true to our pledge, Luigi will be loved, cared for and financially provided for all of his life.

Because continuing medical costs for deserving ‘Set for Life’ dogs like Luigi strain our resources, we are always in need of replenishment. Always in need of monetary donations, so that we may stay true to our pledge to keep these awesome dogs healthy and safe, and their awe-inspiring fosters financially secure.

As for loving, lovable Luigi? One of his foster mom’s friends sent him a new plastic case, which he’ll receive once his treatment begins.