Herbal Support for Dog with Cushings Disease
Answered by: Kerry Hackett
Question from: Lynda Pope
Posted on: April 16, 2007

Our 10 1/2 yr old spaniel/nova scotia ducktoller cross has come down with Cushings (diagnosed with bloodwork Oct. 06). He had suffered from a very runny nose since June (allergies suspected) and was put on Vanectyl P at the end of August - after only 1 week he became VERY thirsty and hungry (we stopped Vanectyl P and waited to see if it would stop). He also started to refuse his beloved twice daily "walks". The vet suspected that he had become cushnoid and after waiting a week or so was put on Anipriyl/Selegeline 30mg/daily. In November and December he couldn’t last more than 2 1/2 hrs between urinating (or would "leak") and would drink 12 - 15 cups of water a day. He said no to walks more often and wouldn’t jump up on the couch (back legs weak). He only thinks of food and we try to fill him up with vegetables (cooked) -- He is improving now (down to 6-7 cups of water per day and lasting 4 hrs. between urination). In addition to the Selegeline, we are supporting him with preparations from the Naturopath (human):

Bach Rescue Remedy - 5 drops/3x day
ANS-CNS Homeopathic - 5 drops/3x day (Golden seal, Dandelion, Histamine, Adrenalimum)
Dr. Reckeweg R7 - 5 drops/3x day (Carduus Marianus D2, Chelidonium majus D2, Cholesterinum D6, Cichona Officinalis D3, Colocynthis D6. Lycopodium Clavatum D4, Nux Vomica D4)

Any other ideas?

He’s going back to the vet next week for another blood test to diferentiate whether or not his Cushings is caused by a tumor on Pituitary Gland, or on Adrenal Glands. Because he still gets a running nose (only the left nostril - a bit thick and yellowy) my theory is that he has a growth in the sinus cavity pressing on the pituitary and thus causing the imbalance of Cushings.

Thank you for any advice that you may be able to provide. He’s one very special dog and we want to improve his health and keep him around for as long as possible.

This is an extremely complex case and not one on which I would feel able to comment without knowing much more information. Given the detail required, I would suggest you seek the advice of a qualified professional who has experience with both animals and herbs in your area where you and your dog can benefit from the attention that can only be provided in a one-on-one consultation. Such a professional may be found through thr Veterinary Botanical Medicine Assiociation (www.vbma.org). Herbs can be very useful along with dietary changes but as I said, there are too many parameters in this case to be covered in a forum such as this.

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