Canine Cushings Disease – Spotting the Condition in Your Pet

Canine Cushings disease and Cushings syndrome in dogs are two similar, yet not exactly identical  conditions found in dogs today. The symptoms of Cushings disease in dogs are most commonly found in middle-aged pooches between the ages of five and seven, in human years. Older dogs are also quite prone to the development of this disease. Both canine Cushings disease and Cushings syndrome in dogs are caused by increased amounts of cortisol in your dog’s system. The difference in the conditions is trivial to most owners, as canine Cushings disease refers to problems originating in the pituitary gland while Cushings syndrome in dogs is more generic, not specifying a certain source for the increase of cortisol in the body.

As with any other living thing, dogs tend to develop an increased probability of getting an illness like Cushings disease as they get older. Canine Cushings symptoms can develop in dogs of any age, however, middle-age is the most common age range. If you can identify the symptoms early and deliver an effective treatment, you may prevent further complications presented by the condition. The disease should be considered serious since it can lead to liver, kidney and heart failure if not treated early.

Several Common Causes of Canine Cushings Disease

Adrenal hyperplasia and tumors in the adrenal and pituitary glands are common causes. Since the pituitary and adrenal glands are directly related and affect one another, either or both glands can be affected by the disease. These tumors may occur as a natural flaw of aging, but you could be encouraging the symptoms in your dog by feeding him or her certain drugs. If your animal is on steroid medication for other medical issues, it could be causing a hormonal imbalance, leading to Cushings disease.

What signs do you look for to see if this disease is present?

Signs of Cushings Disease in Dogs

• A large, "pot belly," gut.
• Hair loss
• Increased appetite
• Slow-healing wounds
• Enlarged liver
• General sense that your dog is not feeling well

While these symptoms seem fairly straightforward, there are other similar diseases that have similar signs. Because of this, you should never try to diagnose your animal and begin treatment without a diagnosis from your veterinarian. If you see the symptoms, you should have them examined thoroughly in order to determine if Cushings is the culprit for your dog’s discomfort or not.

Canine Cushings Disease Treatment Options

Once you receive an official diagnosis from your vet, you can move forward with a treatment plan. Homeopathic medicine is taking the medical world by storm, in relation to both human and animal diseases. Traditional medical approaches to treating Cushings disease often results in undesired side effects. Herbal and supplemental options may be much less likely to have such unpleasant effects.

Homeopathy uses natural elements, which is partly why side effects are so much less likely. Remember that animals once roamed wild and had everyday access to natural plants, not pills and shots. Treatment with homeopathic remedies is a viable option. As the owner of your furry friend, you have a responsibility to make the right choice in regarding the best canine Cushings disease treatment. Make the right choice to go homeopathic, with the hopes of enjoying the presence of your dog for years and years to come.

Act now to learn more about homeopathic remedies for dogs by clicking "MORE INFO."

 

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