Herbal Treatment for Canine Cushings Disease
Answered by: Kerry Hackett
Question from: James Mauch
Posted on: April 21, 2007

My senior border collie is suffering from cushings disease and arthritis. His arthritis issues keep my vet from prescribing any cushings treatments. I was wondering if there were any herbal treatments for Cushings disease that would help him. We are great believers in herbal treatments. We are currently giving him glucosamine/chrondotin/MSM and milk thistle, as he also has liver issues.

As you know, Cushing’s Disease is a condition where the cortex of the adrenal glands produces an excessive amount of corticosteroids. This can be due to a tumour in the adrenal gland itself or in the pituitary gland which in turn will have an effect on the adrenal gland’s function. It can also be due to excessive growth of the cortex of the adrenal gland.

This is an extremely complex condition and really requires an ongoing relationship with a qualified practitioner who has experience with herbs and animals. Such a professional may be found through the Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association (www.vbma.org). Herbs that have been used in this condition as well as to support the rest of the body include: Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale), Burdock (Arctium lappa), Milk Thistle (Carduus marianus), Nettle (Urtica dioica), Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) and Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous) often in combination and with other herbs. However, it is best if you work with someone as mentioned above. You and your dog deserve the best in care; this can only be provided through a one-on-one assessment.

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