Do Herbal treatmeants work

[ret7268]

I have a cocker that has cushings. I can't afford treatmeants a vet. Seen alot of products online for cushing. Do any of these products help? ANy help would be greatly appreciated

[StarDeb55]

Welcome to you & your pup! Before I specifically answer your question, would you mind telling us a little more about your pup's history? What symptoms was your pup suffering from that led you to go to the vet? Has Cushing's been "officially" diagnosed with the appropriate testing? Some of these test may include a ACTH, low dose dex suppression, or high dose dex suppression.

Unfortunately, none of these on-line so- called "natural" products like Cushex drops & Supraglan work. They possibly ease some symptoms, but do not address the real problem which is the overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Please do not waste your money on any of these products are they are a huge scam. If they really did work, all of us would be using them.

Believe me, we all understand about the financial strain that trying to treat Cushing's causes. The heaviest costs are up front in getting a confirmed diagnosis, & your pup stabilized on medication. Once you get past the initial costs, the financial burden does ease quite a bit. I will enclose a link from our important information section of the forum that will lead you to more information about possible ways to help with vet bills. The other thing is that there is one medication, Anipryl, that is less expensive than the 2 standard medications used to treat Cushing's. Anipryl, also, does not require the monitoring that the other 2 drugs do. I will be up front about using Anipryl. It is only effective in about 15% of pups with a diagnosis of pituitary dependent Cushing's because the lesion in the pit gland must be in a specific location for the drug to work.

Looking forward to hearing more.

Debbie

PS- I just realized that I forgot to post the link concerning financial help with vet bills. So sorry!

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=212

[mypuppy]

Hi Ret,
I can't really comment on herbal or holistic treatments because I have never used them. I know there are some here on the forum who have used flax lignans with melatonin to treat atypical cushings. Perhaps they will join soon and comment. These members will be asking more details on your pup in order to best help you, i.e., tests performed, which type cushings, all his symptoms, and many others. My pup is currently being treated with Vetoryl (trilostane), and is finally showing improvement with her symptoms. Whatever decision you make, do take your time to get educated on this condition and try to stay on board here because you will find it is one of your most valuable resource while you decide on all your options. BTW, depending on which treatment you and your IMS decide on, there are several online pharmacies which you can purchase these meds for a much lower price, so do not get discouraged just yet and get all the information you need first. I hope this helps a bit and do know we are here for you and to support you in order to give your precious pup a great chance at having a good quality of life. Warm regards, Jeanette and Princess

[StarDeb55]

Let me expand on what Jeanette has mentioned concerning the melatonin & flaxseed oil or hulls. There is another type of Cushing's called Atypical where one or more of the associated sex hormones in the adrenal glands is elevated with or without a concurrent elevation of cortisol. Even though these 2 products could be considered "natural" remedies, they have been proven to block & lower the production of some of these hormones. In most cases when a pup has an elevated cortisol, along with elevations in any of these associated hormones, either of the 2 prescription medicines used to treat will address the elevation in the associated hormones. You really do not want to be giving either melatonin or flaxseed with lignans as you will be affecting hormones that are produced in very minute quantities, & any reduction in their levels in a healthy pup could have unwanted consequences, without a confirmed diagnosis of Atypical Cushing's.

Debbie

[ret7268]

Vet has only done a regular blood panel but said from it and her symtoms hes sure its cushings. SHe is 13 years old has the extended belly and pees excessively. My parents just spent thousands on treating there dog for cushings and its quality of life was better before the treatment. I just like to get the urinatating under control but just can't afford the vet . Plus he said at her age the side affects from the treatment could be worse than the cushing. Thanks for the reply on the online remedies. I firgured they were a scam but had to ask.

[frijole]

Hello from me as well! Do you have a copy of the blood test that was done? I'm assuming it was a full panel? If you could tell us the results from anything that was not normal - that would help us.

Cushings is often misdiagnosed. Lets just start with that for now and see what it tells us.

Glad you found us. Hope we can be of help! We have all been down this path so you aren't alone. Kim

[StarDeb55]

In regards to treating a senior pup, my Harley was diagnosed 2 years ago at 13. He is 15, now, & doing fine. Yes, either medication that is used to treat a serious medications, but they are life-saving for our pups when standard protocols are followed for dosage & monitoring.

It is possible that Anipryl may relieve some of the symptom, including the excessive urination.

Debbie

[Bichonluver3]

Hi Ret!
My Chloe has Atypical Cushings. She is on Melatonin & ground flax hulls. Her excessive thirst, hunger and panting have stopped. Her fur appears to be filling in. My vet suggested a low residue diet. She is perky and jumps around, playing with her kibble. She is also now sleeping through the night!
Carrol

[jrepac]

Hi Ret!
My Chloe has Atypical Cushings. She is on Melatonin & ground flax hulls. Her excessive thirst, hunger and panting have stopped. Her fur appears to be filling in. My vet suggested a low residue diet. She is perky and jumps around, playing with her kibble. She is also now sleeping through the night!
Carrol

The melatonin and flax lignans are also supposed to reduce/block production of cortisol, but to what extent, I cannot say. UTK does state this on their treatment sheet. There is also some evidence that Phosphatidylserine can help blunt cortisol as well, but its not as conclusive. Lignans and Phosphatidylserine are not cheap, either. (But, melatonin is.) You may want to speak to your vet about getting generic anipryl...(selegiline)...Walmart is fairly reasonable w/their prices...I paid $118 for 180, 5mg capsules a few months back (that is a 3 month supply for a 20lb dog)