Yes, You Can Naturally Help Your Dog's Cushing's Disease
If your dog has Cushing's disease, you can help naturally.
Cushing’s disease, also called hyperadrenocorticism, is a disorder in which the adrenal gland produces too much cortisol.
Anatomically, the triangular-shaped adrenal glands sit adjacent to the kidneys.
The outer layer, called the cortex, primarily produces three hormones:
- Cortisol - regulates the metabolic activity and the immune system
- Aldosterone - blood pressure and water metabolism
- Sex hormones - estrogen and progesterone
The inner layer, called the medulla, primarily produces two hormones:
- Epinephrine
- Norepinephrine
Two Forms of Cushing's Exist in Dogs
There are two different types of Cushing's disease affecting dogs.
Typical Cushing's
In typical Cushing's, the adrenal cortex produces too much cortisol resulting in irregular metabolic and immune system activity.
Typical Cushing’s results from hypersecretion of ACTH from the pituitary gland, a gland located at the base of the brain.
Accordingly, Cushing’s disease originating from the pituitary gland is termed pituitary-dependent Cushing’s.
As many as 80% of dogs diagnosed with Cushing’s are labeled as pituitary-dependent.
However, the other 20% of the time, tumors in the adrenal glands cause the disease. This situation represents adrenal-dependent Cushing’s.
Atypical Cushing's
Only recently identified, atypical Cushing's occurs when the adrenal cortex produces an excess of steroid hormones.
In turn, the excess steroid hormones produce symptoms similar to the symptoms of typical Cushing’s.
Generally speaking, both typical and atypical Cushing's disease affects males and females equally and middle age to older dogs of all breeds.
Melatonin and Lignans Treatment
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.
Learn more about Cushing's disease:
Melatonin and Lignan Supplements Treat Atypical Cushing's Disease in Dogs
Use Melatonin and Lignan's for Atypical Cushing's Disease in Dogs
