Pets Care

Cushings syndrome or hyperadrenocorticism is not as common in cats as it is among dogs. The treatments for Cushing’s disease in dogs is far more developed that those for cats. But that can hardly be reason for getting complacent since there have been a fair number of cases of feline hyperadrenocorticism that have been reported lately.

The best way to be prepared to tackle the syndrome is to understand the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. This helps in identifying the problem, confirming the presence and getting it treated effectively.

Causes

Cushings disease is a glandular disorder caused by excessive production of an adrenal-cortex hormone called cortisol.

A complex system of reciprocal interactions between the pituitary gland and the adrenal glands controls the cortisol levels in a cat’s body. An abnormal development like a tumor can disturb the fine balance of the amount of cortisol produced.

Sometimes, the condition can also be caused due to a high dosage of synthetic hormones that may have been used to treat other ailments.

Symptoms

* Excessive thirst and appetite.
* Loose and hanging abdomen.
* Hair loss resulting in a poor coat.
* Ear tip curling.
* Delicate and thin skin which is easily torn.
* Muscle weakness and lethargy.
* Uncontrolled diabetes.
* Increased urination.
* Diluted urine.

Diagnosis

The physical symptoms that accompany the condition are the first indication of Cushings disease. A presence and continuation of diabetes often leads to suspicion of Cushings disease. If the diabetes proves be difficult to control, it is almost a confirmation of the problem.

Routine laboratory tests are often inconclusive. A confirmed diagnosis requires a number of tests to establish the prevalence of the disease.

Once confirmed, further imaging tests like X-Rays, ultrasound examination and CT/MRI scan are conducted to assess whether the cause of the issue lies in the pituitary gland or the adrenal glands.

Treatment

If the Cushings disease has been caused by over-dosage of synthetic hormones, the hormones need to be stopped. A gradual reduction in the dosage is recommended since a complete stop can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Tumors in adrenal and pituitary glands are quite difficult to treat. Adrenal tumor can be removed by surgical excision. Tumors, in the pituitary glands are almost impossible to remove.

Hyperadrenocorticism in a dog is relatively more prevalent and that is probably one of the main reasons that not many drugs exist for Cushings disease in cats. The ones that do are also not effective enough to cure the condition completely.

What is Cushings Disease?

Cushing’s disease is also known as hyperadrenocorticism and is characterized by the over-production of hormones from the adrenal glands. The extra high levels of these hormones in your pet’s body can cause varied and serious symptoms.

Function and definition of the adrenal glands

The adrenal glands are two, small bean-shaped structures situated above each of your pet’s two kidneys. They consist of two separate regions: an inner adrenal medulla surrounded by an outer adrenal cortex.

The adrenal glands release a wide variety of hormones. The medulla is responsible for producing epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline). These hormones control the body’s reaction to stress and affect blood pressure and heart rate.

The adrenal cortex produces hormones such as cortisone and aldosterone which are necessary for balancing fluid and electrolytes (salt) in the body as well as regulating the use of dietary protein, fats and carbohydrates and controlling inflammation.

What are the symptoms of Cushings Disease?

High levels of corticosteroids in the body can cause a number of health problems in pets including:

* Increased thirst/drinking and urination
* Increased appetite
* Panting
* High blood pressure
* Loss of hair
* Calcified lumps in the skin
* Thinning skin and susceptibility to infections

Over time, if not well-controlled, Cushings can increase your pet’s risk of other conditions including diabetes, weakening of the heart and nervous system disease.

What are the main causes of Cushings in pets?

There are a couple of possible causes for Cushings in pets. The first is that your pet may be taking in excess corticosteroids in the form of medications such as Prednisone.

If your pet is not taking a drug like Prednisone and has been diagnosed with Cushings, it is probably due to a tumor (usually benign) on either of the adrenal glands themselves or on the pituitary gland.

What is the conventional treatment?

If your pet’s problems are caused by prescription Prednisone, the answer is of course to wean your pet off this medication slowly and under the supervision of a veterinarian. Cushex drops can help facilitate the process of normalizing adrenal function and corticosteroid levels in the body as your pet slowly stops taking the Prednisnone. Cushings caused by other factors, such as adrenal or pituitary gland tumors needs a more complex, holistic approach.

In the case of an adrenal gland tumor, the tumor can be removed through surgery but this procedure carries a high risk. Pituitary tumors are not usually removed but rather treated through symptomatic therapy with drugs that kill part of the adrenal gland in order to normalize corticosteroid production.

This treatment needs to be very carefully monitored as killing too much of the adrenals is easy to do and can cause serious health problems including the subsequent UNDER-production of corticosteroids.

How can herbal remedies and dietary supplements help?

Though natural remedies will not cure Cushings, many herbs can safely and effectively support your pet’s general health and help to reduce the symptoms of Cushings disease.

A holistic approach to your pet’s condition is the best approach: see below for dietary measures that can help your pet’s general health.

What are Cushex Drops?

PetAlive Cushex Drops contain a blend of both herbal and homeopathic ingredients specially selected to treat Cushings in pets. Each ingredient of this natural remedy has a specific role to play in normalizing adrenal function, balancing corticosteroid levels or reducing the troublesome symptoms of this condition.

Cushex Drops are easy to administer and the dosage can be adjusted to suit pets of all sizes.

Use PetAlive Cushex Drops To:

* Support the health of your pet’s adrenal glands and encourage normal functioning
* Help reduce circulating levels of corticosteroids
* Encourage health of coat and prevent hair loss
* Balance blood pressure and blood sugar levels
* Reduce excessive thirst and urination
* Promote optimal strength and health of the skin
* Improve digestive functioning

What are the ingredients of Cushex Drops?

PetAlive Cushex Drops contain the following 100% natural ingredients:

Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) is well-known as a tonic for the liver, kidneys and adrenal glands and will help to normalize adrenal functioning. This ingredient will also reduce any inflammation in the body. If your pet has been taking Prednisone, Dandelion will help to ease the transition with its own anti-inflammatory properties. Dandelion also contains vitamins and minerals important for hair growth and prevention of hair loss.

Arctium lappa (Burdock) is a cleansing and eliminating herb and is excellent at detoxifying the tissues and removing unwanted substances from the body. Burdock is also effective at balancing blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes.

Astragalus membranaceous (Huang Qi) is an herb which has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many centuries as a revitalizing tonic. Astragalus is known as an adaptogen and helps to restore balance to the adrenal glands. It is a very useful protector of adrenal cortical function and is important for the regulation of blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Recent research confirms the positive effect of Astragalus on immune functioning and its ability to help your pet fight against illness and disease.

Arsenicum (30C) is a homeopathic ingredient useful for treating excessive thirst and urination as well as indigestion, vomiting and other digestive problems.

Hepar Sulph (30C) is also a homeopathic remedy and is very effective for treating infections and healing wounds or irritated skin.

Mercurius (30C) is an excellent homeopathic ingredient for addressing thirst and irritability. Also widely used for treating bladder infections and diarrhea.

Sulphur (30C) will reduce thirst, improve the condition of the skin and act as a digestive tonic.

(PetAlive Cushex Drops contains no gluten, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives)

How have Cushex drops helped others?

“Thank you for such a wonderful remedy. My poor dog’s health was in a state due to Cushings and this natural product really helped. I am so pleased that her coat is looking healthier and her hair has stopped falling out everywhere. I’m also relieved that we have managed to avoid surgery as Kendra is an old dog now and I would hate to put her life at risk.” – Carryn J.

“My 14 year old maltese was diagnosed with Cushings after months of urinating in the house for no apparent reason- something he never used to do. We were not keen on the vet’s recommendations for treatment as they all sounded terribly harsh and downright dangerous so we tried your Cushex drops and are very impressed. It is wonderful to find something all-natural and safe that actually works! I have told my vet about your product and how well it works- he can see the difference in our Maltese as well and says that he is going to recommend your product as an alternative treatment to Cushings in his practice!” – Marlene

How do I use Cushex Drops?

PetAlive Cushex Drops come in convenient tincture form. The drops are easy to administer to pets and may be mixed with food or a treat.

To be taken 2-3 times per day at the following dosage:

Cats and small dogs: 2-3 drops.

Medium dogs: 5 drops.

Large dogs: 8-10 drops.

Caution: Please consult your veterinarian should symptoms persist. Safety during pregnancy and nursing has not yet been established.

How long until I see results?

Degree and speed of improvement differs from animal to animal, depending on many factors. With regular use, you should begin to notice a general improvement in health within 3 – 6 weeks.

How long does one bottle last?

One 50 ml bottle of Cushex Drops will last for 15 – 60 days, depending on the size and needs of your pet.