Natural Management of Cushing’s Syndrome in Dogs
Abstract
Cushing’s syndrome in dogs is a condition that is characterized by an over-production of the ‘cortisol’ hormone in the affected dogs. The hormone – produced by the adrenal glands – enables a dog to fight infections, control his weight, regulate the blood sugar levels, and respond to stress. However, excessive production of the cortisol hormone can be potentially life-threatening. Hence, Cushing’s syndrome in dogs requires timely treatment. Planet Ayurveda herbal manufacturing company offers excellent herbal products for managing the condition in a safe and natural manner.
Cushing’s Syndrome in Dogs: Overview
Cushing’s syndrome in dogs refers to a condition in which the adrenal glands – located close to the kidneys – produce the ‘cortisol’ steroid hormone in abnormally excessive amounts. The cortisol hormone is largely responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of a dog’s body, but an over-production of the hormone can be problematic, and may cause serious complications.
The medical term for Cushing’s syndrome – commonly called ‘Cushing’s disease – is ‘Hyperadrenocorticism.’ The term is literally an amalgamation of three words — ‘hyper’ which implies over active; ‘adreno’ which means adrenal gland; and ‘corticism’ which indicates the outer part of the adrenal gland.
The cortisol hormone is one of the several vital substances which are produced by the adrenal glands for regulating various body functions. The production of cortisol hormone by adrenal glands is a result of the messages received from the pituitary gland which is located at the base of the brain. However, any growth (tumor) on the external part of these glands can trigger excessive production of the cortisol hormone, thereby causing Cushing’s syndrome.
Cushing’s syndrome usually affects middle-aged and older dogs. Some of the breeds which have a high potential risk of the occurrence of Cushing’s syndrome are the Poodle, Boxer, Beagle, Dachshund, and Boston terrier.
Cushing’s Syndrome in Dogs: Types
There are three main types of Cushing’s syndrome, depending on three different reasons which can cause the cause the condition in dogs. The causes determining the type of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs can either be natural (tumor-based) or a result of administering certain steroids/medications over a long period of time.
The three types of Cushing’s syndrome are:
(i) Pituitary gland tumor:
This type of Cushing’s syndrome is a result of a tumor occurring in the pituitary gland. This condition affects nearly 80% dogs suffering from Cushing’s syndrome.
(ii) Adrenal gland tumor:
This type of Cushing’s syndrome is a result of a tumor in one of the adrenal glands. This condition affects nearly 15% dogs suffering from Cushing’s syndrome.
(iii) Iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome:
This type of Cushing’s syndrome affects dogs that have been on steroids for a prolonged period of time.
Cushing’s Syndrome in Dogs: Signs and Symptoms
There can be a number of indications of the occurrence of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs. The most common signs and symptoms of the condition are:
- Increased appetite
- Excessive thirst
- Abdominal swelling (pot-bellied appearance)
- Weight gain
- Frequent urination
- Persistent bladder infections
- Hair loss
- Panting
- Lethargy or drowsiness
- Pyoderma (chronic skin infections)
- Hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin)
- Calcinosis cutis (skin mineralization).
Cushing’s Syndrome in Dogs: Treatment
The common methods of treatment for naturally-occurring Cushing’s syndrome – that is, Pituitary gland tumor and Adrenal gland tumor – include the use of chemotherapy drugs, radiation, or adrenal tumor surgery. Meanwhile, the treatment of Iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome involves the weaning off of the affected dogs from the steroids/medications which have caused the disease.
However, not everyone wants to go for such invasive treatments and opt for the natural one, like Ayurveda. Planet Ayurveda is a herbal company offering several natural products for the treatment of various diseases.
Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal products for natural management of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs:
1 Ashwagandha Capsules
These capsules are prepared from standardized extract of the widely-known ‘Ashwagandha’ herb (Withania somnifera). The potent herb has amazing health benefits, largely because of its proven anti-inflammatory properties.
The use of Ashwagandha capsules can be helpful in managing Cushing’s syndrome because of the herb’s ability to improve nerve functions, slow down the progress of brain disorders, strengthen the muscles, manage inflammation, reduce metabolic imbalances, and provide rejuvenating benefits.
Dosage: 1 capsule, two times a day mixed with the feed.
2 Brahmi Capsules
The standardized extract of ‘Brahmi’ herb (Bacopa Monneiri) is used for the preparation of these capsules. The herb has immense therapeutic value and is widely known in Ayurveda because of its aphrodisiac and memory-boosting properties.
The symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs can be managed with the help of these capsules because Brahmi herb has the ability to promote mental health, re-build brain tissues remove free radicals from the body, relieve inflammatory conditions, and improve overall health.
Dosage: 1 capsule daily mixed with the feed.
3 Gandhak Rasayan
This herbal product – available in tablet form – is prepared from Shuddh Gandhak (Purified Sulphur), and a combination of other useful natural components which have proven anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antipruritic, and antimicrobial properties. The components include Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Patra (Cinnamomum tamala), Nagakeshara (Mesua ferrea), Shunti (Zingiber officinalis), Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba), Godugdha (Cow milk), and Sita (Sugar Syrup).
The use of these tablets can be beneficial in managing Cushing’s syndrome in dogs because the natural components can synergistically treat fungal infections, manage skin problems, alleviate inflammation, and provide blood-purification benefits.
Dosage: 1 tablet daily mixed with the feed.
4 Aarogyavardini Vati
The preparation of these tablets is based on an ancient Ayurvedic formulation, which involves the use of some extremely beneficial natural ingredients. The ingredients include Shudh Parad (Purified Mercury), Shudh Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur), Lauh Bhasm (calcined Iron), Abhraka bhasma (Mica), Tamra Bhasma (Copper purified), Amalaki (Emblica officianalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Shudha Shilajatu (Asphaltum), Shuddh Guggul (purified Commiphora mukul), Katuka (Picorrhiza kurro), and Chitraka moola (Plumbago zeylanica).
Cushing’s syndrome in dogs can be managed with the help of these tablets because of the combined ability of the natural ingredients to treat skin disorders, manage stomach ailments, remove unwanted fats from the body, maintain a healthy functioning of the internal organs, and strengthen the body.
Dosage: 1 tablet, two times a day mixed with the feed.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned herbal products offered by Planet Ayurveda for managing Cushing’s syndrome are prepared from 100% pure and natural herbs. The products do not contain any chemicals, artificial colors, preservatives, starch, yeast, binders, fillers, or additives. However, dogs suffering from Cushing’s syndrome should be given these products after consultation with an Ayurveda expert.
This Whole Information For Your Good Health and Wellbeing is Being Provided By www.planetayurveda.com
Dr. Vikram Chauhan
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