Cushing Syndrome in Dogs- Treatment with Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Your canine friend, who is between the age of 7 to 12 years, has recently felt increased thirst, excessive eating, a potbelly, and hair loss. With some diagnostic tests, it has been confirmed that he is suffering from hyperadrenocorticism, also known as Cushing’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome. This condition occurs when the body produces an excessive amount of cortisol, a natural steroid hormone. Cortisol is secreted and stored by the adrenal glands are small in size, are two in number and located on top of the kidneys. Cushing’s disease can affect not only dogs but also cats and humans, although it is more commonly found in dogs than cats. In this article, we are going to discuss causes, signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests and a proper Ayurvedic aspect to deal with the disease.

Introduction

Cushing’s, hypercortisolism, hyperadrenocorticism happens when your dog’s body produces excessive Cortisol hormone. Cortisol plays an important role in helping to control stress and regulating various aspects of health, such as body weight, tissue structure, and skin condition, among others, but an excessive amount of cortisol can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to other diseases and infections. It is more commonly observed in middle-aged and older dogs, and the early warning signs may be subtle and difficult to identify. Let’s get to know about the Ayurvedic perspective of this condition.

Ayurvedic Aspect

Hypo or hyper production of natural factors like hormones, secretions comes under the Sroto Dushti that means vitiation of secretory channels. This is caused to the agnimandya and it further leads to derangement of production of other bodily factors. Hormones can be compared with Dhatu agni that is caused by Vimarg gaman. Samprapti can be developed by dushti of Adrenal glands and kidney (Vrikka) that is the origin of Medovaha srotas. Kapha dosha is said to be the dominant dosha in this disease. Ayurvedic management is based on the cause of this disease which is vitiation of Doshas, Dhatus and Srotasas. Hormones come under the Dhatwaagnis, vitiation of vata dosha, depletion of kapha dosha moreover dushti of Rasa, meda and asthi dhatu.

Types- There Are Three Types of Cushing’s Disease Occurs in Dogs

1. Pituitary Dependent Cushing’s Disease.
2. Adrenal dependent Cushing’s disease.
3. Iatrogenic Cushing’s disease.

Pituitary Dependent Cushing’s Disease

In this excessive secretion of cortisol due to a tumor present in the pituitary gland can develop this condition. Although these tumors are usually benign and small in size, around 15-20% of patients with pituitary tumors may show neurologic symptoms especially when its size increases. These tumors can develop 80-85% cases of Cushing’s Syndrome.

Adrenal Dependent Cushing’s Disease

Stress hormones produced by these glands that are situated on the top of kidneys, can be benign and malignant. T can develop 15-20% cases of cushing’s syndrome.

Iatrogenic Cushing’s Disease

It develops due to exposure of toxins and steroidal usage.

Signs and Symptoms

This condition mostly occurs in middle aged or older dogs and its early diagnosis is quite difficult to make. It shows

• Your dog seems thirstier and hungrier than before.
• Potbellies – loses hair or seems slow to grow.
• Excessive panting
• Reduced activity
• Recurrent skin and urinary infections.
• Irregular or firm plaques over the skin
• Sudden blindness
• Lethargic

Diagnosis

There is no definite test to evaluate this condition, some combinations are following

• Complete Blood Test.
• Urine Culture
• ACTH Stimulation
• Urine Cortisol to Creatinine Ratio

General Treatment

In the modern line of treatment, it is largely dependent upon the reasons behind. They have options like

• Surgery – Remove the adrenal or pituitary tumors.
• In medicines – salts that can help to
decrease the production of cortisol are given.
• Radiation therapy

Side Effects

Surgeries and modern medicines can have various side effects like pain and discomfort, scarring, uncontrollable bleeding, Anaesthesia related side- effects. Prolonged use of steroidal medicines can suppress the normal function of the adrenal glands. This can lead to adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the body is unable to produce enough cortisol, resulting in fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. Weight gain, mood disturbances, etc.

How Ayurveda is Better

Ayurveda provides individualized treatment plans based on a person’s unique constitution, health condition, and other factors. This personalized approach may involve dietary recommendations, lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and other interventions tailored to the individual’s specific needs. Ayurveda often relies on natural remedies derived from herbs, plants, and minerals, and encourages the use of natural substances for healing. This can be appealing to individuals who prefer a more natural or holistic approach to healthcare. Planet Ayurveda provides natural health supplements which helps to heal and manage the condition effectively.

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Cushing’s Syndrome in Dogs

Planet Ayurveda is a holistic herbal manufacturing company that offers a range of Ayurvedic supplements or herbal formulations. We claim to provide products made from natural ingredients and follow Ayurvedic principles in the method of preparation. Our products are made by pure herbs, using their standardized extract. We don’t add any type of fillers, artificial flavors in our products. Our products don’t give any type of side-effects or adverse effects. These natural herbal supplements help to improve the overall health and relieve various health ailments. Planet Ayurveda provides some miraculous preparations for managing the cushing’s syndrome in dogs as well. They are

Product List

1. Ashwagandha Capsules
2. Brahmi Capsules
3. Gandhak Rasayan
4. Arogyavardhini Vati

Products Description

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

Planet Ayurveda provides a patent formulation consisting of standardized extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). This herbal formulation works on the hormonal level, helps to normalize the vitiated Dhatwaagni and purifies the srotas. Ashwagandha is well known for its stress reducing properties, said to be an adaptogenic herb that gives a range of health benefits.

Dosage: 1 Capsule twice daily mixed with feed.

2. Brahmi Capsules

This is a patent herbal articulation that consists of standardized extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). This is a memory booster and stress buster herb. Brahmi has proven properties of elevating mood and reducing levels of cortisol, so it also helps to cope up with stress and anxiety. It has various actions on the level of hormones, works over serotonin, cortisol, thyroid hormone etc.

Dosage: 1 Capsule twice daily mixed with feed.

3. Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak rasayan is a classical single herbal formulation which is prepared by shuddh gandhak means purified sulphur. It has wonderful effects on our skin related conditions, purifies the blood, nourishes every part of the body. It also helps to enhance our immune system due to its rasayanic gunna and works on the hormonal system to balance the body.

Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily mixed with feed.

4. Arogyavardhini Vati

This is a classical polyherbal formulation consisting of wonderful herbs that are used to balance the doshas like haritaki (Terminalia chebula), vibhitaki (Terminalia billerica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and many more. This formulation works on maintaining the function of adrenal, endocrine glands. Helps to cope up with various symptoms of cushing’s syndrome like hair loss, weight loss, excessive hunger and thirst etc.

Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily mixed with feed.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

Conclusion

If you suspect that your furry friend may have Cushing’s syndrome, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the symptoms and prevent potential complications. Ayurveda helps to battle these types of health conditions, Ayurvedic herbs and their compounds are useful in maintaining our health and increase our immunity. With proper medical care and support, this condition can also be managed or improve the quality of life.