Adrenal
Disease in Dogs and Cats
Cushing and Addison's Disease
by Geoge Burns BA
Managing Director Land of Holistic Pets Ltd (UK)
Vice President - Burns Pet Health Inc (USA)
The Dr. You in us all, including our pets is working away non stop
24/7. Included in the Dr. You scheme of things is a range of glands
know in medical terms as the 'endocrine system' The endocrine system
supplies a range of hormones into the bloodstream and part of that system
includes the adrenal glands.
These adrenal glands normally work efficiently but if either of the
2 glands produce too much or too little of the desired hormones then
the health conditions can be debilitating.
If the adrenal glands produce too much then they are know to be 'hyper'
thus the term Cushing's disease ( hyperadrenocortism.)
On the other hand if they produce too little it is known as 'hypo' and
thus Addison disease (hypoadrenocortism)
What Happens when these gland malfunction?
The hormones produced by these glands regulate the use of proteins,
fats and carbohydrates. Which in turn help to maintain a proper balance
of water, salt and potassium in the body.
One of the main hormones produced is cortisol which also contributes
to maintaining blood sugars, muscle development and tissue repair. Cortisol
also delivers a rush of adrenalin in stressful situations which will
release stored energy in the body and allow the animal to react accordingly.
The story starts to get complicated because the adrenal gland is actually
controlled by another gland called the 'pituitary gland' which signals
the adrenal gland to produce more or less Cortisol.
TOO MUCH CORTISOL - CUSHING DISEASE
Two factors cause this problem and they are both cancers. The more
common of the two is a small benign tumour in the pituitary gland. This
tumour interferes and causes too much cortisol to be produced. The other
cause is a tumour in either or both the adrenal glands and have the
same effect - producing too much cortisol.
Symptoms of Cushing Disease
Bloated abdomen, thinning hair coat, drinking and urinating to excess,
reduced muscle strength, interferes with normal blood clotting and the
body's ability to ward off infection.
Episodes of panting due to the weakened muscle can accompany the problem
and your animal friend may be prone to falling. A reduced ability to
break down fat may also be present.
Conventional Treatment
If the pituitary gland has a tumor , then drugs are administered that
supposedly destroy the part of the adrenal gland that is producing too
much cortisol. The objective is to manage the problem rather than cure.
Malignant tumors in the adrenal glands is another matter and often surgery
is conducted to remove the offending growth.
Alternative Treatments
Usually involves a number of complementing approaches which reinforce
each other. Holistic Diet is imperative, not so as a treatment, but
to provide the foundations of good health.
Diet:
Low fat, Low protein, highly digestible diets are a must in terms of
giving our animal friends the best possible chance. Diet is the basis
of life and good food is essential to creating the correct conditions
for the Dr.You in our pets to start taking care themselves.
"Let Food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food"
Homeopathic approaches include:
Corticotrophin (ACTH) 30c - This hormone helps to reduce the excess
of fluid and generally improves adrenal function.
Cortisone 30c - This hormone will assist in counteracting over production
of crude protein.
Thallium Acetas 30c - This remedy has an effect on skin and hair helping
to restore a healthy coat.
( Note: Over use of steroid hormones can produce the same results as
the disease itself and Nux Vomica and Thuja may help in overcoming this.
A homeopathic vet should be consulted - If you are unable to find one
please contact us and we can arrange for an internet consultation with
Alan Slater - our homeopathic vet)
Herbal Approaches:
Herbal approaches are limited in the treatment of Cushing's other than
providing tonic support for the various affected organs. As a result
of the increased urination, potassium is leeched from the body and nettles,
dandelion root, garlic and burdock can help replace potassium and support
the liver and digestive system.
Liver HeProtect and Digestive Tonic are the 2 world herbs we would recommend
for this problem.
Kelp (seaweed) is beneficial for maintaining iodine and other trace
minerals.
Avoid Licorice, borage leaf - these stimulate adrenal activity
Supplements
Phosphatidyl- serine - is an active ingredient of lecithin which naturally
suppresses cortisol production
TOO LITTLE CORTISOL - ADDISON DISEASE
The cause of Addison's is unknown but it is generally considered to
be associated with an immune system problem. Cancer of the lymphatic
system or systemic infections have been related to the problem as has
over use of steroids or sudden withdrawal from the drug.
Symptoms of Addison's Disease
Weight loss, occasional vomiting, poor appetite, weight loss, decreased
energy and stamina. Degeneration of the adrenal glands is not reversible
but progression can be delayed with diet and proper nutrients.
Conventional Treatment
Supplement with synthetic cortisol
Alternative Treatments
Diet
Foods with excess potassium should be avoided. High quality, easily
digested protein should be included. Robbie's Holistic Cuisine is also
well suited for the reasons stated above but is also low in potassium.
Homeopathic approaches:
Arsenicum [Ars]
This is the most homoeopathic of all remedies to this disease. Both
the disease and drug have nerve depression, gastric irritation, general
debility, feeble heart action and tendency to vomit. The skin symptoms
have also a curious similarity;
The disease, though considered an incurable one, may have its development
arrested by the proper remedy. Among other remedies to be thought of
are: Thuja; Natrum muriaticum, which especially corresponds to the symptoms,
muscular fatigue, indigestion, melancholia, etc., so often present at
the onset of the disease; Belladonna, Calcarea carbonica, Iodine and
Phosphorus. Arsenicum iodatum is also especially worthy of a trial.
Tuberculinum may also be well indicated.
Herbal Approaches
Herbisone - this World herbal product is very well suited to Addison
disease.
Licorice, borage leaf - these stimulate adrenal activity.
Siberian Ginseng for reducing the impact of stress.
Spirulina is also well suited this problem although is considered a
whole food rather than a herb. 1 spoonful per 4lbs (2kg) pounds of bodyweight.
Index
