Suspected.... Homeopathy options?

[Cindy Windy Woo]

Wow! What an amazing page! Everyone seems so friendly and helpful

I’m Jenny, I have a 13.5yr old Tibetan Terrier Cindy. We live in Northern Ireland with the leprechauns 

I have suspected Cindy has Cushing’s for a few weeks/months now, increased thirst, increased peeing, starving hungry, no muscles in hind quarters, very wobbly in back end, low low energy, depressed and just not herself at all.

I took her to my vet last night who ruled out diabetes and infection. Says likely to be Cushing’s but would have to complete the full day test to check levels. Cindy is quite senile, arthritic and frets when she doesn’t have me or her best buddy Lexi the Spanish water dog with her. Realistically I don’t want to put her through the testing as I think it would be very stressful for her.

What I am wondering is if anyone has had any success with homeopathy?? Can anyone recommend any natural remedies?

Background: Cindy is an ex-agility dog, now has arthritis, half blind and a bit senile! She is fed 100% raw and grain free. She gets a daily dose of D.E. (Diatomaceous Earth) and a daily dose of Turmeric paste.

If this was a younger, fitter dog I would be doing everything possible to fix this, but I fear the treatment could be worse than the symptoms. She is definitely in her twilight years, and I want to make them as stress-free and pleasant as possible.

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated

Thanks

Jenny & Cindy

[labblab]

Hello Cindy,

Welcome to you and Jenny! A possible treatment option that comes to mind is the combination of melatonin and lignans. These supplements typically are not able to lower cortisol to the degree that is necessary for control of conventional Cushing's. But for some dogs, the Cushing's symptoms may be caused by elevated adrenal hormones other than cortisol ("Atypical Cushing's"), and this regimen has sometimes been helpful in that situation. It may take 3-4 months to see any benefit from this combo, however. Here is a link to a treatment factsheet published by the Univ. of Tennessee in Knoxville that discusses the specifics in more detail:

https://vetmed.tennessee.edu/vmc/dls/endocrinology/Documents/Treatment%20Info%2c%20Atypical%20Cushing%27s%2c%20 revised%20October%202014.pdf

Generally, these supplements are benign so you'd have little to risk in giving them a try, plus melatonin can generate sleepiness which might have a calming effect on Jenny. If you do opt to try the melatonin, some things I've read suggest it may be best to give the melatonin at night, anyway, so as to better correspond with the body's natural circadian rhythm/melatonin production.

Marianne

[Cindy Windy Woo]

Thank you so much, i will definately look into that. might be a more placid option
thanks Jenny

[Cindy Windy Woo]

Has anyone used the Cushex Drops?? any success?

[lulusmom]

Hi Cindy and a belated welcome to you and Jenny.

I haven't personally used Cushex Drops but I did write to the company to ask them if they did any clinical trials to prove the safety and efficacy of their product. They did not. However, despite my annoyance with that company, we have had members who had temporary success in resolving some of the symptoms so if Jenny were mine and I chose not to treat with conventional drugs, I would probably give it a try. As far as I know, we haven't heard about any adverse side effects from Cushex Drops so that's a plus.

I've also included a link to Dr. Karen Becker's website below where she discusses alternative treatments for one of her atypical cushing's patient, which proved to be quite successful in controlling symptoms. Hopefully you can find something to improve your precious girl's quality of life.

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/08/09/mazie-adrenal-recovery.aspx

I did want to mention that if Jenny has arthritis and she does have typical cushing's, she is most likely not experiencing any joint pain as she is self medicating with the excess cortisol being produced by the adrenal gland(s).

No matter what course of treatment you decide, we sincerely hope that you will continue to update us on Jenny's progress. In the meantime, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Glynda

[Leah]

Hi Cindy,
I found a few things that have worked with my Jezy. She does take 60 mgs of Veteral daily and has always responded well so that I do not mess with. For her anxiety I use Composure by Vetri-Science. they are chews that I purchase from my vet, but they are also on Amazon. Also a week ago I purchased therapeutic essential oils from Young Living and have been using them on her for hair loss, what I call hot spots, and the anxiety, and so far have seen positive results. Frankincense and lavender for skin, big belly rub, and a combo EO called Joy for anxiety, just a drop on the back of her head. the Joy still needs time to be determined, but she hasn't needed Composure in a week. Hope this helps.

[jas77450]

Hi Jenny and a belated welcome. Lots of good folks here with lots of experience. I'm new too so can only offer hugs and love to you and Cindy.
Jenny