The goal is to normalize the hormone cortisol, which is produced in the cortex of the adrenal glands. Cortisol mobilizes nutrients, modifies the body's response to inflammation, and stimulates the liver to raise blood sugar to appropriate levels.
In a cushings dog, this level is out of balance - glucocorticoids circulate madly and create serious havoc. Your pet companion is very sick and you have important decisions to make. So, what are the options?
The vet will likely recommend a lifetime course of meds for cushings disease like vetoryl or lysodren. This could be a rocky road with dosing cautions which require frequent and costly monitoring. These potent drugs have a list of possible side affects that could make your dog feel even worse.
Autoimmune disease in dogs respond very well to holistic treatment. Herbal therapy and natural foods can work in tandem to bring about dramatic improvements in adrenal, pituitary, and kidney weaknesses.This is not a random combination of herbs and foods - it is a targeted treatment, a natural one.
Herbal Therapy is the medical use of therapeutic medicines derived from plants, animals, and substances occurring in the natural environment. Each herb has a specific purpose in the restoration of your dogs' ailing system.
For cushings syndrome dogs, the rescue herbs are --
Dandelion root cleanses the liver, kidneys and colon.
It stimulates cell metabolism. It helps with food digestion
and eases digestive upset and is naturally loaded with vitamins.
Rehmannia root, also known as adrenal tonic, supports the pituitary gland and adrenal cortex. It has shown to balance hormone
production and reduce inflammation.
Alfalfa supports pituitary gland function.
Not only does it alleviate fluid retention and joint swelling, but it
levels blood sugar and reduces fatigue.
It is loaded with nutrients, including beta carotene, potassium and iron.
It is loaded with nutrients, including beta carotene, potassium and iron.
Remember we are talking about 'whole health' and nutrition is also significant to strengthening your dog's immune system. You will want to choose a food that is high in protein and low in fiber. You should avoid a dog food with organ meat or 'by products', corn, wheat, or gluten.
The best dog food should have abundant nutrients and antioxidants naturally found in vegetables and fruits. A quality dog food with natural ingredients is especially important for a dog with compromised immune health.
There is a natural path to improved health for your pet companion
with PetAlive/Cushex herb therapy
And
Holistic Nutrition of Life's Abundance Premium Dog Food
Postscript ~ My research for this blog post was motivated by an ailing dog who is close to me. You see, Mickey has had leg stiffness and pain and hearing loss since he was 12. Now, 2 years later, his overall health is degrading rapidly. He is thirsty, hungry, incontinent, and his core is weak, as well as lame and deaf. I was astounded when I read the following in Chinese Medicine Theory:
"The lower back is considered the lumbar mansion of the kidneys. Because the kidneys are responsible for nourishing the bones and marrow, the kidney is considered the flame of life. Weakness in the hind legs in animals and hearing
loss are commonly seen when there is a kidney imbalance."
"In Chinese
theory, the lower back is considered the lumbar mansion of the
kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for nourishing the bones and
marrow. If the kidneys are depleted by chronic stress, imbalance, or age
the lower back and legs will become week from lack of nourishment. The
ears are also nourished by the kidneys. If the kidney yin is weak then
hearing will also be diminished."
I did not know about the connection of kidney and ear health until today. My dog, Rocket, died with kidney failure and deafness and so did my 71 year old mother, Emily. An 'aha' moment for me....
