the hormone cortisol. It can result in hair loss, thinning of the skin, bruising, bloating, increase in appetite, thirst and incontinence and excessive panting. It is most common in dogs over the age of six and rarely seen in cats. Large breeds are more prone to the disease than smaller ones. Cushing’s can be mistaken for normal aging in pets causing confused owners to consider euthanasia. Cushing’s is treatable, allowing your pet to enjoy a longer, more comfortable life. Cortisol helps animals cope with stress. It plays a role in the regulation of blood sugar, fat metabolism, kidney function, nervous system, cardiovascular system, and immune response. Too much cortisol production poisons your pet. It is usually the result of a pituitary tumor at the base of the brain (pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism or PDH) or an excess of prescribed gluccosteroids. A small number of cases are the result of an adrenal tumor near the kidneys. A large amount of cortisol can cause immunosuppression resulting in bacterial infections. Bladder infections are common in animals with Cushing’s disease. Iatrogenic Cushing's disease or Cushing’s syndrome is from the long-term use of steroid medications and will usually dissipate on its own when the medication is discontinued. Additional more serious complications of the disease may include high blood pressure, kidney stones, congestive heart failure, diabetes, pancreatitis, and blood clot formation in the lungs. Diagnosis of Cushing’s disease can be a complex process. Blood test may indicate elevated: liver enzymes, cholesterol and glucose levels. Further testing may include an injection of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), the hormone that stimulates the adrenals to release cortisol. Later, blood is drawn and cortisol levels are measured; a dog with Cushing’s will have elevated levels of cortisol. Urinalysis results may include high levels of protein. A urine cortisol/creatinine ratio test can be used to rule out Cushing’s disease. An enlarged liver and adrenals may be seen on x-rays and ultrasound tests in animals with Cushing’s. Low Dose and High Dose dexamethasone suppression tests can help diagnose what type of Cushing’s your pet may have (adrenal or pituitary). Treatment of Cushing’s may require surgery. Removal of adrenal tumors is possible in younger dogs. Unfortunately, 50% of adrenal tumors have metastasized and spread to other organs. Pituitary tumors are not surgically removed. They rarely increase in size or metastasize. Chemotherapies like mitotane (Lysodren®) or ketaconazole (Nizoral®) can be used to treat pituitary-dependent or adrenal-based Cushing's. Selegiline hydrochloride also known as L-deprenyl may be tried to combat pituitary-dependent Cushing's. Lysodren is the most commonly used drug for pituitary-dependant Cushing’s. It is also used for adrenal-based Cushing’s, but with less significant results. Lysodren destroys the cells that produce glucocorticoid hormones. Lethargy, weakness and vomiting are sometimes seen in dogs treated with Lysodren. Animals who do not respond to Lysodren are treated with ketaconazole. Ketconazole is an anti-fungal medication that has the side- effect of suppressing cortisol production. Side effects of ketaconazole treatment in dogs and cats include lack of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Selegiline hydrochloride varieties (Anipryl®, Elpedpryl® and Carbex®) are used in senile dogs to balance brain chemistry. While it does not treat the adrenals directly, it does increase dopamine levels which play a part in pituitary dependant hyperadrenocorticism making your pet more comfortable. Vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity and anorexia are the most common side effects of these medications. Itchy skin, tremors, drooling, listlessness, disorientation and diminished hearing are sometimes seen also. Dogs with Cushing’s syndrome usually live several more years after diagnosis. About half of all deaths in dogs with Cushing’s are contributed to the disease or its treatment. Nevertheless, treatment can make your pet more comfortable in most cases. However, in some instances the excess cortisol is helpful in controlling the symptoms of other diseases, like arthritis. In these cases, the overall comfort of the pet may be weighed against the benefit of treating the Cushing’s.
Herbal and homeopathic remedies are a gentle, yet safe natural alternative for the treatment of your pet’s adrenal health. These remedies can be used in combinational with conventional treatment approaches to ensure overall pet health and wellbeing. Herbs such as Taraxucum officinale (Dandelion), Astragalus membranaceous (Huang Qi) and Arctium lappa (Burdock) help to maintain adrenal function, normal corticosteroid, as well as fluid and electrolyte levels. Carefully selected homeopathic ingredients such as Hepar sulph, Mercurius, Arsenicum and Sulphur maintains and supports normal digestive functioning, urination and healthy skin.
researcher Sheli Ellsworth Helpful Supplements for Cushing's Disease in Pets
LiverAid - Homeopathic remedy improves health of the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder to maintain optimum functioning - Continue |
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