What is Cushing’s Disease in dogs?
When a dog suffers from Cushing’s, the adrenal glands produce a variety of excess hormones, mostly cortisol.
More times than not, older dogs suffer from this disease and the symptoms often mimic other diseases such as:
- Increased hunger, thirst, and urination
- Increased panting
- Pot-belly appearance
- Obesity
- Excess fat on the neck and shoulders
- Hair loss
- Low energy
What is Atypical Cushing’s Disease?
Atypical Cushing’s Disease presents with the exact same symptoms as Cushing’s disease yet no cortisol increase exists. The adrenal glands produce increased levels of intermediate adrenal steroids often called “sex steroids.”
These increased sex steroids lead to the same symptoms as typical Cushing’s; however, standard Cushing’s tests fail to prove the diagnosis confusing both the veterinarian and pet owner.
But, hope exists with proper treatment.
Natural Treatment for Cushing’s Disease and Atypical Cushing’s Disease
Melatonin and Lignans together provide an excellent natural treatment for both Cushing’s and Atypical Cushing’s disease.
In fact, Melatonin and lignans help your dog’s system return to normal.
What’s even better is that both of these supplements are readily available at your local drugstore.
Melatonin
Melatonin helps balance hormones and slow the growth of tumors.
A general guideline for dosing melatonin is:
- Dogs under 10 lbs – 1 mg of melatonin every 12 hours (also for those who want to give their dogs very low doses of melatonin)
- Dogs under 30 lbs – 3 mg of melatonin every 12 hours
- Dogs over 30 lbs – 6 mg of melatonin every 12 hours
- Note: Research recommends not exceeding a melatonin dosage of 3 to 6 mg every 8 to 12 hours.
- Note: Make sure you read the label and give your dog supplements containing melatonin only. Colorings and additives may be toxic to your dog.
Note: If melatonin makes your dog excessively sleepy, give melatonin only at night.
Lignans
The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine recommends lignan dosages of:
- SDG flax hull lignans – 1 mg per lb of body weight
- HMR lignans – total doses of 10mg – 40 mg daily should be adequate for small to large dogs
Below are links to some of our research on Cushing’s and Atypical Cushing’s disease.
Looking for natural options for your pet?
