What can I do to help my dog with Cushing’s disease? Here’s the Answer

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Causes Of Cushing’s Disease In Dogs

So … why do dogs get Cushing’s?

Obviously … we know that a tumor on the pituitary or adrenal glands causes Cushing’s.

But none of the experts talk about what’s causing the tumors!

So … I asked holistic veterinarian Dr Patricia Jordan about her experience with Cushing’s.

“I don’t see dogs with this disease that are not heavily vaccinated … or the offspring of heavily vaccinated parents.

“In fact, I have never seen a dog that wasn’t vaccinated and had Cushing’s”

Dr Jordan explained that vaccines can cause cancer. They dysregulate the immune system. And they can alter proper hormonal functioning.

She says patients develop hormonal diseases like Cushing’s … “after aggressive vaccination administration.”

She also commented that over-vaccination can cause blindness from SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration).

“SARDS mimics Cushing’s and I believe there should be research into how these 2 diseases are related.”

Man-made radiation could also be a factor. It causes cancer. And it disrupts proper cell signaling … which can impact proper hormonal signaling.

So, aside from these factors … might your dog be susceptible to Cushing’s?

Types Of Dogs That Get Cushing’s

Dogs with Cushing’s disease are usually middle-aged or older … around 7 to 12 years old.

Breeds that get Cushing’s disease (pituitary) more often include …

  • Poodles, especially miniature poodles
  • Dachshunds
  • Boxers
  • Boston terriers
  • Yorkshire terriers
  • Staffordshire terriers

    • Adrenal tumors are more common in large breeds … with three times more females than males.

    Spay/neuter may be a factor, although not a large one, and mostly in females. One 2017 study reported … spayed females had slightly higher odds than intact ones of getting Cushing’s. The odds for neutered males were minimally higher.

    What if you suspect your dog might have Cushing’s?

    Here are some of the more common symptoms of Cushing’s.

  • Very thirsty (polydipsia)
  • Lots of peeing (polyuria), accidents at night
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections
  • Increased hunger
  • Excessive panting
  • Pot belly
  • Obesity, with fat especially on neck and shoulders
  • Hair loss
  • Lack of energy
  • Muscle weakness, especially hind legs
  • Thin or darkened skin
  • Bruising
  • Hard, white scaly patches on the skin, elbows, etc.

    • So … if you notice a few of these symptoms, it’s time for the vet. Now for the hard part – diagnosing Cushing’s.

    It’s Low in Fat With Moderate Fiber

    Some dogs with Cushing’s disease have excess levels of body fat. To help combat this, a food that’s lower in fat (less than 12% on a dry matter basis, or DM) and moderate in crude fiber (8-17% DM) is reasonable. This type of food isn’t appropriate if a dog with Cushing’s disease is underweight.

    To find the DM value for a specific nutrient, calculate DM value of the food:

    100% – % moisture listed on package = % dry matter (DM%)

    Then calculate the DM value of each nutrient:

    Fat % listed on label ÷ DM% multiplied by 100

    Fiber % listed on label ÷ DM% multiplied by 100

    Label Values

    Calculation

    Dry Matter Values

    Moisture: 10%

    100%-10%

    90%

    Fat: 9%

    (9% ÷ 90%) x 100

    10%

    Fiber: 10%

    (10% ÷ 90%) x 100

    11%

    The protein in the food should be highly digestible. Some qualifying examples include:

  • Egg whites
  • Muscle meats (chicken, beef, lamb)
  • Organ meat

    • Your veterinarian will recommend avoiding foods that are higher in salt (sodium) if hypertension is present. Diets with a low sodium level help maintain normal blood pressure.

    Cushings Disease in Dogs: Natural Treatment

    Cushings disease in dogs can lead to a number of serious symptoms and complications that could shorten your pups lifespan. Here our Huntersville vets share more about the causes of Cushings disease in dogs, as well as possible complications and available treatments.