I recall trying to determine why a client’s dog was drinking,
eating and urinating excessively.

After a few blood tests we narrowed the cause down to a disease
called Cushings.

This is relatively common in older dogs- they produce too much of a
natural hormone called cortisol, producing the signs.

Most cases are caused by the pituitary gland being hyperactive.

Some cases are caused by a tumor on a gland in front of the kidneys
( adrenal gland)

The next step is trying to determine exactly which gland was responsible.

I was asked if there are any alternatives that can be used in conjunction
with the conventional options.

And there are several..In my Inner Circle at
http://www.theonlinevet.com/cmd.php?af=1361714

Here are a few that I have found to be helpful:

SIGNS

Your older dog drinks and urinates excessively. He has a distended,
swaying belly. He has shedding and a sparse hair coat. His appetite
may be increased. He may pant often. He has been tested for other causes
of increased drinking (including diabetes, kidney and liver disease) and
all tests have come back negative.

CAUSES
The disease is an overproduction of a hormone (cortisol) which produces
the signs of excessive drinking and urinating. The most common cause is
due to a tumor on the pituitary gland (a gland at the base of the brain).
A small percentage of cases are caused by a tumor on the adrenal gland
(a gland in the kidneys). In some cases, pets can get all these signs by
being on steroids, such as prednisone. In this case, the treatment is to
get weaned off the drug.

SOLUTIONS

TO THE VET. If your pet has some of the signs of Cushing’s
(excessive drinking and urination) then it is first important to rule out
other diseases. Your vet will check for diabetes, kidney disease, and
liver disease. A general blood screen will be suggestive of Cushing’s.
At this time they may recommend further screening tests and discuss
traditional treatment.

ANIPRYL. This is a newer safe medication to treat the disease. It is available
from your veterinarian. It must be given daily, and can be quite costly to treat
a large dog. It works directly on the pituitary gland helping to decrease cortisol
production.

GINKGO. This is a herb called Ginkgo Biloba. It has been shown to reduce cortisol
production, similar to anipryl.

ANTIOXIDANTS. In Cushing’s, the cells are more prone to injury from the high
cortisol levels.

SOOTHE THEM WITH HERBS. High cortisol levels will make your pet feel anxious.

P.S. That is merely a teeny fraction of what you will learn with my
Inner Circle.

Your pet will be able to be better cared for, and you’ll be a more
informed knowledgable pet owner.

You can see your ticket to a healthier pet by going to:

http://www.theonlinevet.com/cmd.php?af=1361714

Heal your pet at home!

Best Wishes,

Dr Andrew Jones, DVM