posted 02-14-2004 10:08 PM         

Was wondering if anybody out there has had a pet with this condition and if they could recommend a different course of treatment.

Thank you for your help.

posted 02-15-2004 08:38 AM         

Good luck! and again I'm sorry!

Susan

Cushing's disease is also known as hyperadrenocorticism (too much production of adrenal corticosteroid hormones).

Below is an article by U.S. homeopath Cheyenne West. She has had good success in treating Cushing's disease in both dogs and horses. (Following is some further information gleaned in the course of my personal exploration of Cushing's disease, once thought to be endured by our sweet samoyed)...

Treating Cushing's Disease with Homeopathy and Other Alternative Therapies

by Cheyanne West, C-Hom. www.cheyannewest.com

Cushing's disease is a serious condition found in middle aged and elderly dogs and horses. The most obvious sign is usually hair loss where patches of skin are eventually exposed. However, Cushing's can be misleading and is over-diagnosed. Typically, a combination of symptoms will be seen, some of which also occur naturally with aging.

All suspected Cushing's, whether in a horse or a dog, should be thoroughly investigated by a veterinarian. Thyroid problems and other skin conditions (if that is the most obvious sign) should be explored as well. (Homeopathic Formic Acid has been helpful with regards to shedding, where Cushing's symptoms prevail but the diagnosis is negative. It is known to restore a "shabby" coat to health.)

Thyroid supplementation may be indicated as well. In fact, thyroid problems are often mistaken for Cushing's. Homeopathic Thyroid 30c at one drop per day for three weeks can return thyroid levels to normal - recheck levels at this point.

Cushing's disease is due to an excess production of hormone from the outer part of the adrenal gland. It is usually caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland or, more commonly, by a benign tumor located on the pituitary gland (which stimulates the adrenals).

The pituitary gland is the "boss", so to speak, of the endocrine system. Its main responsibility is for producing hormones which control the various other endocrine glands in the body. The growth of a tumor in either gland causes an over-production of corticosteroid hormones which, when released into the system, produce symptoms such as hair loss. (The over-use of steroid drugs can have the same effect.) Other symptoms (in both dogs and horses) can include sweating, weight loss (in spite of increased appetite), listlessness, increased intake of water, and anemia. However, the most recognizable symptom is hair loss.

Homeopathic remedies have been effective when this condition is diagnosed in its early stages...

Homeopathic Pituitary - This remedy is historically made from the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland and is offered to aid in balancing the actions of the gland. It is given in low potencies (30c) over a long period of time and monitored closely.

Homeopathic Formic Acid has been very effective in early stages and has a history of restoring the health of the animal as well as restoring the coat. A potency of 6x has been most effective, given over a period of 1-2 months.

Other alternatives include a variety of herbs such as kelp, nettle, rosehips, wormwood, burdock, milk thistle, garlic, clivers, clover, and apple cider vinegar. Herbs should be given in tincture and monitored closely.

If your animal is suffering from this condition and is on cortisone, and you wish to take it off of this drug and pursue an alternative treatment, you should find a holistic veterinarian that has experience with this condition.

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Cheyenne is the author of two excellent books, which are available only via her website "A Natural Path", at www.cheyannewest.com. They are useful guides for holistic veterinarians as well as pet owners...

A NATURAL PATH FOR HORSES: A Guide to Homeopathy and Other Alternative Therapies - including treatments for colic, lameness, skin disorders, and behavioral problems

A NATURAL PATH FOR DOGS: A Guide to Homeopathy and Other Alternative Therapies - includes an A-Z repertory of canine diseases and disorders, a section on acute and emergency treatments, discussion of breed predispositions and constitutional types

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posted 02-15-2004 07:18 PM         

My vet was suggesting the medication...and from what I read previously the medication can prolong the dog's life drastically.

posted 02-15-2004 10:33 PM         

Perhaps you should listen to Mary, surgery and meds might be his best shot.

This is your call! she's your dog, you do what you think is best and continue to research it.

The very best of luck to you!

posted 02-16-2004 09:20 PM         

You can e-mail me direct at blacar@telusplanet.net if you have any further information.

Take care.