If your dog is exhibiting unusual symptoms, such as hair loss, he may have a condition called Cushing’s disease. A dog’s adrenal glands are responsible for the natural production of certain steroid hormones, such as cortisol. High levels of cortisol in your dog’s blood is also known as Cushing’s disease in dogs and can cause them to develop all sorts of side effects, some of which are life threatening.
There are a few different types of Cushing’s. One form is caused by medications. However, for the most part, Cushing’s syndrome is caused by a problem with the pituitary or adrenal gland. Basically, your dog’s adrenal glands control the amount of cortisol in the blood, but the pituitary gland produces ACTH, which is a hormone that communicates with the adrenal glands. It tells them how much cortisol to produce. So a problem, such as a tumor, in any type of gland, could cause Cushing’s disease in dogs.
Cushing’s diagnosis can be a tricky business. As an owner, you may notice that your dog appears tired, seems excessively thirsty, or urinates more frequently than you think is normal. Those may be Cushing’s signs. The only problem is that they can also be signs of other things, including simple old age. Since Cushing’s often affects older dogs, that makes it difficult for the untrained eye to recognize. Fortunately, however, a vet can recognize it.
The exact causes of Cushing’s disease in dogs are still unknown. Experts believe, however, that the environment can play an important role. After all, dogs were originally feral or wild animals. Captivity has exposed them to processed foods, chemicals, and other potentially harmful things, causing them to develop many health problems, including Cushing’s syndrome.
Since cushing’s usually affects older dogs, you may not want to put your dog through a lot of treatments. You can choose to give them the best quality of life possible. However, if you want to seek treatment for your pet, you have many options. There are many treatments for Cushing’s disease in dogs, both conventional and unconventional.
If your dog’s cushing is caused by medication, there is a simple solution. Simply wean your dog off that medication and replace it with a different medication, under the supervision and direction of a vet, of course. That should put the dog’s cushing into remission.
However, if your dog has adrenal or pituitary tumors, that’s another matter. Treatments for Cushing’s caused by tumors include surgery or medications that control cortisol production. Unfortunately, however, these drugs can have many side effects.
So instead, you might want to look at some herbal remedies for Cushing’s. After all, there are many natural herbs and supplements out there. Many humans are taking a more natural approach to their own health, so don’t be afraid to explore natural remedies for your pet’s health. Ask your dog’s vet for advice on the subject. They should be able to recommend some natural supplements for Cushing’s disease in dogs.