Newly diagnosed 8 year old Morkie

[DollyJo]

Has anyone used a holistic approach to cushings disease and if so, what did you use and would recommend?

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi and welcome to you and Morkie! :)

We all wish there was some other proven method to control the rampaging cortisol found in our cush babies but there is no known studies proving this is possible. There are many anecdotal stories but the problem with this is that no one using an alternative method continues the testing to see if what they are doing is actually controlling the cortisol. They base their "proof" on observations and even vet exams...but not the testing required to judge cortisol levels so the cortisol continues to do silent damage to the organs. Many things can mask the signs but none have been proven to control the enemy in Cushing's which is cortisol.

I promise, if there were any proof at all that something "natural" would work, I'd be jumping all over it. I am a novice herbalist and have a 5 lb baby just diagnosed with Cushing's - my second cush baby no less! But I am going to use Lysodren because I KNOW it will work and help extend her life. ;)

Can you tell us about your sweet Morkie? Has he/she been diagnosed with Cushing's? Based on what tests and what signs? Does he/she have any other health issues? Is he/she on any other meds, supplements, or herbs and if so, what for?

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Squirt's Mom]

I also want to say there are things we can use and do in conjunction with conventional treatment that can help, like Milk Thistle for liver function, feeding a high quality food that has moderate protein and low fats, things like MSM, glucosamine, etc. for joint health, hydrotherapy, and so on.

[judymaggie]

Hi -- Leslie has covered all the critical points re holistic vs. conventional Cushing's treatments. I wanted to join in and welcome you and your pup to our family. It may seem like we ask a lot of questions of new members but this helps us in offering guidance and suggestions. Bear with us and we look forward to hearing all about your pup!

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome from me too. I used lignans and melatonin for awhile and then switched to vetroyl as tests showed her cortisol remained elevated. Lignans and melatonin are recommended treatment when the other hormones are elevated but cortisol is normal.

[Carole Alexander]

Hi Molly,
Do you know if Lignans and Melatonin are recommended when both cortisol and other hormones are elevated? I don't know for certain but I suspect that even though Skippy is castrated, other hormones have caused the perianal tumor. Thanks

[Carole Alexander]

Sharlene, so sorry I didn't mean to call you Molly.

[molly muffin]

Oh no worries, molly, sharlene, i pretty much respond :)

I think they can be used together. Melatonin and lignans are supplements and as long as the recomended dosage is followed should be okay. I used both with molly for awhile, but eventually stopped the lignans and only used the melatonin for calming during storms or high stress situations. I found that molly stressed more easily when her cortisol was lower.