Cushing's Disease In Pets

Hyperadrenocorticism, more commonly known as Cushing’s disease is relatively common in our pets. Although it generally affects dogs more often it is an issue for cats as well.  Unfortunately, many pet owners are not aware of this disease until their pet has been diagnosed with it. Another issue is that Cushing’s disease displays many different symptoms that are also common to other ailments making it difficult to diagnose. In an effort to help educate pet owners about this rather common malady we will address the following questions. What is Cushing’s disease? What are the symptoms of Cushing’s disease? How is Cushing’s disease diagnosed? How is Cushing’s disease treated?

In essence Cushing’s disease is caused by an overactive adrenal gland that creates an over abundance of steroids as well as other hormones in the blood stream. Cushing’s disease can occur in two different ways. The first is pituitary related, in which case the pituitary gland over produces Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), which in turn leads to cortisol overproduction in the adrenal gland. The second is adrenal related in which growth tumors are evident on the adrenal gland affecting the production of a wide variety of hormones. Cushing’s disease commonly occurs in pets in their middle to senior years but can be present in younger pets as well.

Because the adrenal gland produces a wide range of hormones and Cushing’s disease can affect the production of one or more of these hormones, the symptoms of Cushing’s disease are many and often subtle in their appearance. The symptoms of Cushing’s disease are as follows: Sudden weight gain, Excessive shedding, and Hyper pigmentation of your pets skin. Because it affects the ability to concentrate urine, it can lead to increased thirst and frequent urination. The disease can also cause the over production of certain steroids that cause some muscle breakdown creating muscle weakness and lethargy and giving a thin legged appearance. This is often accompanied by a potbelly or swollen abdomen. Another symptom of steroid over production can be a suppressed immune system making your pet more susceptible to secondary infections. The pancreas can be adversely affected as well leading to vomiting and or diarrhea. Other symptoms may include an increase in appetite, calcified lumps under the skin, high blood pressure, skin that is easily broken and skin infections. It should also be noted that left untreated Cushing’s disease could lead to obesity, heart disease and diabetes in the pet.

Obviously if your pet is showing any of these symptoms it is a wise decision to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Cushing’s disease is very difficult to diagnose and unfortunately there is no one single test to identify the ailment. Your veterinarian will most likely run a battery of tests such as blood and urine tests and compare the findings to what normal levels should be. Depending on these results the veterinarian may find it prudent to follow up with x-rays or a sonogram to determine if there is a tumor present.

Your veterinarian will determine treatment for the disease based on the severity of the affliction as well as your pet’s health. Most often medications that cause a decrease in the amount of cortisol produced are prescribed. In extreme cases of adrenal based Cushing’s disease the surgical removal of the adrenal gland may be necessary, however if the disease is pituitary based surgery is not an option. It should be noted that the surgical treatment of Cushing’s disease carries severe risks and should be considered only when all other options have failed to keep the disease in check.

For those pet owners who wish to pursue a more natural remedy there are homeopathic blends that have proven quite effective in alleviating the symptoms of the disease. When searching out homeopathic remedies look for the following ingredients:

Astragalus, this ingredient is effective as a nutritive and helps promote healthy liver function. In addition, Astragalus has proven useful in maintaining the immune system.

Borage, this is an herb that possesses precursors of the hormones produced by the adrenal gland that aid the functions of your pets endocrine system.

Bistorte possesses anti-inflammatory properties and has an energizing and refreshing effect on your pet’s liver and kidneys.

Dandelion helps create a healthy appetite and supports the liver and adrenal gland function. It also aids in proper digestion.

Wild Yam acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Cushing’s disease is seldom a life-threatening ailment. Obviously it can make your pet more susceptible to secondary infection and disease because of its affect on the immune system. It can cause fatigue and intolerance to strenuous activity. However it can also show no symptoms at all. Most importantly by using a mixture of traditional as well as homeopathic treatments the symptoms of Cushing’s disease can be kept in check allowing your pet to live a long and happy life with you.

Holistic Pet Care

There is a common misconception concerning holistic medicine. In order to make an informed decision concerning any type of holistic treatment we must first have a clear understanding of what it is.

The basic concept behind holistic medicine is to treat the patient as a whole being. Instead of treating just the physical health issues, the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects are addressed as well. Holistic medicine also strives to prevent illness by focusing on optimal health.

Complementary medicine is a term that is often used in place of holistic medicine. There is a difference though. Complementary medicine uses nonconventional treatments such as massage, chiropractic or herbal therapies.

Holistic medicine combines more traditional medicine with complementary treatments and it isn’t just for people anymore. Holistic medicine is gaining popularity among pet owners in addressing their pets’ health needs. Employing a holistic approach to your pets’ health will almost certainly prove beneficial.

Let’s have a look at some of the treatments that would fall under the umbrella of complementary medicine.

Acupuncture is often credited to the Chinese who have used it for thousands of years, however, there are records indicating that it was used in Egypt well over 5000 years ago. The practice of acupuncture involves inserting needles into specific points that are located along the body’s energy meridians and correspond to specific internal organs. Acupuncture has proven effective in relieving muscle spasms, increasing circulation, and pain relief among other issues. Aside from needles other methods of stimulation can be used, such as applying pressure or heat to the points.

Chiropractic care and treatments are a common choice of many pet owners now. Chiropractors operate on the idea that some illnesses are cause by misaligned vertebrae that in turn affects the impulses from the spinal cord to the muscles and organs. By adjusting the vertebrae and joints the appropriate flow of impulses are restored. Like people, pets can suffer from spinal injuries such as slipped discs or pinched nerves and chiropractic treatment may prove very effective in addressing these issues.

Physical therapy is often employed after a surgery or severe injury. The types of therapy are no different than those used for people. Therapies such as stretching and or exercises, the application of heat or cold packs and even hydrotherapy may be used depending on the desired results.

Massage therapy is another common treatment. The therapist uses their hands, elbows, and body to massage the soft tissues in an effort to address issues such as cramps, soft tissue injuries or circulation stimulation.

Although many people are not familiar with homeopathy it is not a new concept by any means. The practice of homeopathy can be traced through many cultures and back thousands of years. The concept of homeopathy is really very simple. It is used to treat and prevent disease by giving small doses of a substance that if taken in large doses would cause the same symptoms of the disease to manifest. This helps the body build its own resistance to a particular condition or disease. This is no different than say, the annual flu shot that many people receive. A small dose of the flu virus is administered; the body's immune system then goes to work creating antibodies and thus the immunity to that particular strain of flu. The primary difference between pharmaceutical drugs and homeopathic remedies is that pharmaceutical drugs only treat the symptoms of a disease. For example, over the counter flu medications only help to ease the aches and pains or clear sinus congestion. They do not address the flu virus itself. Homeopathy, on the other hand, addresses the cause of the symptoms (i.e. the flu virus itself). Eliminating the cause of the illness clears the body of the symptoms as well. These natural homeopathic remedies are based on elements found in nature and have traditionally been used to treat many ailments and illnesses. They are all natural and completely safe.

Botanical medicine, sometimes referred to as herbal medicine, uses plants to create remedies for a wide variety of ailments. Many of the medications we use today are derived from plants. One example would be aspirin. Since some plants and herbs can be toxic to animals it is important that your veterinarian or the doctor they refer you to is educated in botanical medicine and treatments.

Nutritional supplements that are created from plants and animals are called Nutraceuticals. Sometimes referred to as whole food supplements, nutraceuticals are derived from whole foods, organ and tissue extracts, and botanicals and are used to fill the nutritional gap created by feeding processed foods. Nutraceuticals are used to maintain optimal health as well as address health issues such as joint problems or digestive difficulties.

If you are interested in any of these treatments for your own pet, talk with your veterinarian. If they don’t offer the treatment options you are interested in, they may be able to refer you to someone who does. In the case of a referral, be certain there is ease of communication between everyone involved to ensure the best possible care for your pet.

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