Help!!???!!!???

Question

My dog has cushings disease. Not sure what to do, don't have the finances to put out hundreds of dollars. I have found something that is natural to give to the dog. Is there anything that would make him more comfortable. Does anyone have any experience with this??
Thanks!

Answer 1

You might try this forum:

http://caninecushings.net/

It's a help/support forum for people with Cushings dogs.

Here's another personal story...
http://www.firstscience.com/home/perspectives/editorials/canine-cushings-disease-jacks-tale_1745.html

Wish I could be more help!

Answer 2

You can try giving natural type remedies to the dog..although you could end up spending more money trying to find a home remedy or "natural" remedy that doesn't work...and causes your dog more discomfort.....than you would by paying the vet to monitor your dog while giving him Ketoconazale, Anipryl or Lysodren.

Do you understand exactly what Cushings Disease is?
Excessive production of hormones from the adrenal glands.

Is it possible that your dog has a tumor on the adrenal glands?
A tumor can normally be removed, which would put an end to the problem and overall be less expensive than a natural remedy you may have to purchase for the remainder of your dogs life, just to lessen the symptoms and make your dog more comfortable.
If the problem is coming from the pituitary glands, drug therapy is your only option. It can not be cured if its the pituitary gland causing the excessive hormones, but it can be controlled.

Then you have to understand that, if left untreated, or by taking a chance on a "natural cure" that has no real proof, Cushing's disease will progress and can lead to life-threatening disorders such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, and liver and kidney failure, and to chronic maladies such as hypothyroidism and infections of the skin, ears, gums, eyes, or bladder. These can cause HIGHER bills in the long run than the initial cost of dealing with Cushings can.

I don't have a lot of experience with it, no......but I would find a way to fit the care into my budget before relying on "possible" natural remedies in hopes that they work.

Afterall, if your child had a disease, would you risk using a "natural" remedy that had 10% chance of working....or would you pay the Dr's bill to get your child the best care possible and hopefully cure him/her??

Talk to your vet, you might be able to work out an over-time scheduled payment planned.

The big question is........is your dog truly worth it to you?

Answer 3

Joining a forum is a great idea.

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/CanineCushings-AutoimmuneCare/
Lots of $5 words in their intro - but this seems like a good resource.
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/dogpancreatitis/
I have a friend who's got a Terv with Cushings' - he still competes in Agility at age 12 and looks great. Try to de-stress about it - there is help out there. Good luck!