Cushing’s (Hyperadrenocorticism) in Dogs
Hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing's Syndrome, is a chronic (longterm) state of excess cortisol, a stress hormone, causing health problems.
“Hyper” translates to “overstimulated”, or too much. Cushing’s can be caused by a malfunctioning pituitary gland or malfunctioning adrenal glands, causing excessive hormone release and eventually affects the other gland(s).
When the pituitary gland overproduces adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), it triggers the adrenal glands in producing excess cortisol. The cascading effect is explained by the endocrine system gland network (click here to read more about the endocrine system), and the fact everything in your dog’s body is connected.
When in proper balance, cortisol helps blood pressure regulation and proper metabolization of carbohydrates, fats and protein. Excessive cortisol levels from Cushing’s, overtime, produce very unpleasant side effects, including overburdened organs (metabolizing excess hormones), declined body functioning and even hair loss.
The most common causes I see for Cushing’s in dogs is toxin overload (overvaccination), corticosteroid use or stress. Stress includes your dog’s physical, energetic, and mental stress, and they’re all interconnected. Your dog’s stress also depends on YOUR stress levels. Managing YOUR stress in a healthy way is critical to providing a healthy environment for your dog.
What Commonly Causes Dogs to Get Cushing’s?
Pituitary-Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism (PDH)
The majority of Cushing’s in dogs is caused by pituitary gland dysfunction causing an imbalance in hormones released by the adrenals.
The pituitary, the master endocrine gland (link to endocrine system article), found at the base of your pet’s brain, controls the adrenals. In PDH, Cushing’s disease, the pituitary forces the adrenal glands into producing excess cortisol.
The pituitary gland can be enlarged due to a tumor, usually benign, causing adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) overproduction, resulting in excess cortisol production from the adrenals.
In PDH, stress could be a major contributor influencing pituitary malfunction.
Stress Induced Cushing’s
Stress (physical, environmental and emotional) interferes with optimal endocrine function. Longterm stress causes sustained stress hormone release from the adrenal glands. Stress can cause Cushing’s and Cushing’s contributes to your dog feeling more stressed; it’s a vicious cycle.
Pitcairn states, “…the pituitary gland is influenced, in turn, by the brain, and it’s entirely possible the whole cascade of problems occurs because of psychological or physical stress— at least as contributing factors.”
Minimizing vaccinations and reducing man-made radiation exposure, for example, limiting x-rays and keeping your pet away from 5G exposure like your cell phone and smart meters, (link to EMF article) reduces major environmental, physical and emotional stress in your pet and helps avoid endocrine system disruption leading to Cushing’s.
Man-made EMFs like 5G keep the body in the sympathetic nervous system state, know as the stress or “fight or flight” state.
X-rays cause direct breaks in DNA, increasing stress and hormonal imbalances. Only get x-rays when absolutely necessary.
Vaccines and man-made EMFs disrupt proper cellular communication and signaling, dysregulating the body’s defense system, altering hormonal signaling and contributing to tumor growth.
Hormonal imbalances and disorders are common following vaccination. Dr. Patricia Jordan claims in regards to Cushing’s, “I don’t see dogs with this disease that are not heavily vaccinated…or the offspring of heavily vaccinated parents."
Steroid-Induced (Iatrogenic) Cushing’s
Topical, oral and injectable cortisone, among many unpleasant side effects, causes normal feedback mechanisms between the brain and adrenal glands to shut down and increases circulating cortisol, resulting in Cushing’s disease.
Dogs can ingest topical steroids from their humans’ use. In one story reported by Dogs Naturally Magazine, a human using topical steroids on herself while her two dogs got diagnosed with Cushing’s and died within the timeframe she was using her topical steroids.
Adrenal-Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism (ADH)
Rarely, Cushing’s can result from an adrenal gland tumor causing excessive cortisol production. The tumors can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous).
Large breeds tend to be more prone to ADH than small breeds, and female dogs experience it three times more than male dogs. Spayed females are slightly more at-risk than non-spayed.
Dog Breeds at Risk for Cushing’s Disease
The breeds listed below are reported from vets as “at risk” for glandular problems, contributing to an increased risk for Cushing’s.
Note: A healthy whole food diet, outside exercise, herbal supplementation, and minimizing toxin exposure (avoiding vaccination), helps prevent undesirable genes in your dog from expressing. In other words, helping your dog keep a healthy terrain holistically can prevent genetic predispositions to glandular problems from expressing. More hopeful news is bioflavonoids in herbs positively effect gene expression.
Beagle
Boston Terrier
Boxer
Dachshund
Poodle (all sizes)
Staffordshire terriers
Yorkshire terriers
Identifying Cushing’s in Dogs
Cushing’s can mimic other disorders, making diagnosis complicated.
For example, SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration) mimics Cushing’s and is another disorder resulting from vaccination. Ensure proper diagnosis so your dog can be treated properly (and isn’t mistreated).
Blood tests for adrenal gland functioning and hormone levels can help in diagnosing, or ruling out, Cushing’s.
Test results along with visible symptoms (lists below) determine Cushing’s diagnosis.
The following are common visible symptoms in dogs experiencing Cushing’s:
Abdomen enlargement (due to weak abdominal muscles)
Increased Anxiety (excessive licking in attempt to calm down)
Diabetes symptoms
Excessive drinking
Excessive urinating
Hair loss on both sides of the body (falls out easily)
Heavy and/or continuous panting
Liver enlargement
Increased hunger
Obesity; excess fat production on neck, shoulders and belly
Restless
Reproductive cycle changes
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Skin thinning and darkening (often on the undersides)
Blood test and urinalysis results in dogs with Cushing’s may reveal the following:
High liver enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels
High blood glucose
High neutrophils with lower lymphocytes
Protein in urine
Low specific gravity of urine (results from excessive water consumption)
Cushing’s Disease can occur alongside other chronic problems, and may be signaling further health deterioration in a pattern of overall health decline. For example, your dog may have had years of skin allergies, arthritis due to hip dysplasia or knee joint deterioration, and now Cushing’s arises.
Pitcairn, DVM, thinks Cushing’s can be, “…a fundamental breakdown of your pet’s ability in regulating inflammation and repairing tissues (in which adrenal glands are intimately involved).”
Reminder: Visible symptoms must be present along with test result indicators in determining an accurate Cushing’s diagnosis.
Natural Support for Dogs with Cushing’s
Natural support for Cushing’s involves lowering stress (cortisol), promoting hormonal balance including nourishing the nervous system and supporting the adrenals, liver, heart and the kidneys.
Supporting the liver is critical as it processes hormones and helps rid toxins interfering with cell functioning and hormonal balance.
The kidneys sit atop the adrenal glands as the two work closely together. Adrenal imbalances (Cushing’s) requires kidney support.
Excess cortisol release elevates blood pressure and overstimulates the nervous system and cardiovascular system, tolling the heart.
A healthy whole food diet (avoiding kibble or canned food), homeopathy, herbs, exercise, animal reiki, a peaceful home environment with minimum Wifi and Bluetooth usage, are extraordinary treatment adjuncts for Cushing’s.
A fresh whole food diet supports glandular tissue health, helping the body function optimally in preventing disease from taking over. A strong terrain helps your dog create resilience in preventing afflictions from causing longterm imbalances.
Herbal and Mushroom Remedies
Below are herbal and mushroom allies supporting dogs with Cushing’s.
Important Note: Only use the following herbal recommendations if they’re well-indicated for your dog as an individual. Rather than “kitchen sinking” your dog, it’s more effective to carefully select remedies resonating with their individual circumstance.
Oak (Quercus robur) Phytoembryonic Therapy
Oak balances adrenal function and supports vitality when your dog struggles from chronic lethargy and a weakened mental, physical and emotional state. It helps with breathlessness and abdominal swelling caused by excess cortisol.
Oak is a strong remedy and should be used in small doses only and pulsed, for example, two weeks on two weeks off. Putting the drops in 2-3 ml water before administration helps dilute its bitter flavor. For extra-small dogs, dilute a drop with water and administer half so they receive half a drop.
Suggested Dosages:
Administer away from food twice daily
Extra-Small Dogs: 1 diluted drop
Small Dogs: 1 drops
Medium Dogs: 2 drops
Large Dogs: 3 drops
Extra-Large Dogs: 5 drops
Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum)
Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum) Phytoembryonic Therapy
Judas Tree helps balance hormone levels when too much hormone is being released. It supports the pituitary gland, calming excessive hormone signaling to the adrenal glands and reducing stress.
Judas tree can help support dogs with Cushing’s when an adrenal hemangioma is present.
Hyperadrenocorticism taxes heart function and Judas Tree protects the heart, promoting smooth blood flow and preventing arterial wall degeneration.
Judas Tree’s plant stem cell therapy can help dogs who have a distended abdomen resulting from chronically elevated cortisol causing weight around the waist as commonly experienced in Cushing’s.
Suggested Dosages:
Administer away from food twice daily
Extra-Small Dogs: 1 drop
Small Dogs: 2 drops
Medium Dogs: 4 drops
Large Dogs: 6 drops
Extra-Large Dogs: 8 drops
Dandelion Root Tincture (Taraxacum officinale)
The liver processes hormones. Hormonal balance requires a healthy, functioning liver and Dandelion root supports the liver and endocrine system.
Dandelion helps restore the body and can help the body flush pharmaceuticals if your pet’s Cushing’s is iatrogenic.
Note: Dandelion isn’t recommended for dogs with, or a history of, gallstones or a gallbladder infection.
Suggested Dosages:
Administer away from food twice daily
Extra-Small Dogs: 1 drop
Small Dogs: 3 drops
Medium Dogs: 5 drops
Large Dogs: 7 drops
Extra-Large Dogs: 10 drops
Astragalus Tincture (Astragalus membranaceus)
Astragalus modulates the immune system, supports the cardiovascular system, adrenal gland function, helps stress reduction and exhibits anti-tumor properties, making it a well-rounded remedy for Cushing’s.
Suggested Dosages:
Administer away from food twice daily
Extra-Small Dogs: 1 drop
Small Dogs: 3 drops
Medium Dogs: 5 drops
Large Dogs: 7 drops
Extra-Large Dogs: 10 drops
Burdock Root Tincture (Arctium lappa)
Burdock root supports the liver, and in turn, promotes a healthy skin and coat for dogs with hair loss and thinning skin from Cushing’s. A compromised liver is the root cause of skin and coat issues.
Burdock stimulates the kidneys, helping detoxify the body and reducing physical stress induced by toxins.
Burdock balances the body’s fats and oils, and hormones, including cortisol, are fat soluble so balancing fats and oils plays an important role in hormone regulation.
Suggested Dosages:
Administer away from food twice daily
Extra-Small Dogs: 1 drop
Small Dogs: 3 drops
Medium Dogs: 5 drops
Large Dogs: 7 drops
Extra-Large Dogs: 10 drops
Important Note: Burdock tincture (alcohol extraction) should be given no more than eight weeks at a time with at least an eight weeks break before starting back up.
Chaste Tree (Vitex-agnus-castus)
Chaste Tree Tincture (Vitex-agnus-castus)
Chaste tree can improve moods in dogs with low spirits and energy, and may help decrease abnormal fat disposition from Cushing’s.
Chaste tree is well indicated for spayed dogs and can help with reproductive cycle changes due to Cushing’s disease. Spay alters natural hormone regulation, disrupting the delicate balance of optimal hormone levels. Imbalanced hormone levels causes cascading effects to other hormones.
Suggested Dosages:
Administer away from food twice daily
Extra-Small Dogs: 1 drop
Small Dogs: 4 drops
Medium Dogs: 8 drops
Large Dogs: 10 drops
Extra-Large Dogs: 13 drops
Ashwagandha Root Powder (Withania somnifera)
Ashwaganda helps the body cope with stress, protecting the adrenal glands, assisting in Cushing’s prevention, or supporting overall vitality in dogs with Cushing’s. It’s well indicated for dogs feeling restless or anxious from excess cortisol circulation.
Thyroid hormones affect almost every organ and affects adrenocorticotropic hormone by triggering cortisol release. Ashwagandha boosts thyroid hormone levels by reducing cortisol, helping balance glands and calm the nervous system.
Suggested Dosages:
Administer mixed into food twice daily
Extra-Small Dogs: 1/4 tsp
Small Dogs: 1/2 tsp
Medium Dogs: 1 tsp
Large Dogs: 1 1/2 tsp
Extra-Large Dogs: 2 tsp
Maidenhair Tree Tincture (Gingko biloba)
Maidenhair Tree stimulates circulation, especially cerebral (brain) circulation, and may help dogs whose brain function seems to be suffering as a result of Cushing’s.
Gingko can help reduce corticosteroid and is well-indicated for dogs with a history of steroid use.
Suggested Dosages:
Administer away from food twice daily
Extra-Small Dogs: 1 drop
Small Dogs: 3 drops
Medium Dogs: 6 drops
Large Dogs: 9 drops
Extra-Large Dogs: 12 drops
Milk Thistle Seeds (Silybum marianum)
Milk Thistle enhances hormone regulation by supporting the liver, a major hormone processing organ.
Liver stagnation from excessive toxins (for example, vaccines) throws off hormonal balance and Milk Thistle can stimulate the liver and kidneys in processing and excreting toxins causing the imbalance.
Excess cortisol overtime can cause fatty liver. Milk thistle is hepatoprotective, helping protect the liver from damage.
Suggested Dosages:
Administer mixed into food twice daily
Extra-Small Dogs: 1/4 tsp
Small Dogs: 1/2 tsp
Medium Dogs: 1 tsp
Large Dogs: 1 1/2 tsp
Extra-Large Dogs: 2 tsp
Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica)
Stinging Nettles Infusion (Urtica dioica)
Packed with vitamins, minerals and chlorophyll, Stinging Nettles supports blood, kidney and adrenal health.
Vitamins and minerals from Nettles is water soluble so utilizing a water infusion is optimal.
Nettles Infusion Instructions: Pour almost boiling water over one tablespoon dried herb (two tablespoons if using fresh herb) and let steep for four hours minimum for maximum benefit. Infusing in a jar in the fridge overnight, or at least eight hours, provides optimal results. You can strain or serve both the liquid with the leaves into your dog’s meals.
Suggested Infusion Dosages:
Extra-Small Dogs: 1 tsp twice daily
Small Dogs: 2 tsp twice daily
Medium Dogs: 1 1/2 tbsp twice daily
Large Dogs: 2 tbsp twice daily
Extra-Large Dogs: 2 1/2 tbsp twice daily
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Growing on Birch Tree
Chaga Mushroom Extract (Inonotus obliquus)
Chaga shines in supporting dogs with Cushing’s resulting from a malignant tumor. It’s extremely potent in antioxidants, relaxes the nervous system and reduces cortisol levels, helping the body cope with stress.
Important Note: Chaga is endangered and takes hundreds of years to regrow. When foraging Chaga, harvest no more than 1/6th Chaga found growing on the Birch tree (if it’s not on Birch it doesn’t have medicinal value you’re wanting). If you’re purchasing Chaga, make sure it’s ethically sourced and use only if well indicated for your pet.
Suggested Dosages:
Administer away from food twice daily
Extra-Small Dogs: 1 drop
Small Dogs: 3 drops
Medium Dogs: 6 drops
Large Dogs: 9 drops
Extra-Large Dogs: 12 drops
Dosage Note: Large-sized pets with a life threatening malignant tumor can usually take up to six grams of Chaga daily; consult your holistic vet.
Shiitake Mushroom Extract (Lentinula edodes)
Shiitake can be supportive with tumors (malignant or benign) on the pituitary or adrenal glands. It promotes healthy blood, supports the heart, and regulates cortisol levels.
Shiitake mushroom reduces radiation side effects, helping prevent or support Cushing’s in dogs previously or consistently exposed to man-made EMFs.
Medicinal mushrooms’ benefits from liquid extracts are optimized when they’re double or triple extracted. Double or triple extraction maximizes the spectrum and potency of the mushrooms’ beneficial constituents.
Suggested Dosages:
Administer away from food twice daily
Extra-Small Dogs: 2 drops
Small Dogs: 3 drops
Medium Dogs: 7 drops
Large Dogs: 11 drops
Extra-Large Dogs: 15 drops
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic Remedies for Cushing’s
Two homeopathic courses of action for Cushing’s disease includes homeopathic organotherapy, remedies prepared from tissues of another animal used in modifying your dog’s cortisol production, or remedies listed below (not made from animal tissue).
When using organotherapy, it’s critical you source quality, and ethically sourced, remedies. Seeking a homeopathic professional for proper sourcing and dosing is highly recommended.
For the homeopathic remedies below, administer two pellets into your dog’s cheek two to three times daily away from food, either 30 minutes before or two hours after they eat. If they spit the pellet out, they received what they needed as long as the pellets contacted their mucus membranes.
Note: Avoid touching homeopathic remedies with your hand; dispense the pellets into the cap of the container and dump the pellets straight from the cap into your dog’s cheek.
Arsenicum 30C or 200C
If your dog suffers from a distended and painful abdomen, an enlarged liver, skin eruptions, exhaustion and increased thirst, Arsenicum is well indicated for your dog.
Hepar 30C
If your dog’s skin becomes unhealthy, is easily infected or is covered with bumps, alongside an enlarged liver and distended abdomen, Hepar would be a good fit.
Mercurius 30C
For dogs whose Cushing’s is causing muscle weakness, digestion issues, burping, lack of coordination, excessive hunger, excessive thirst, skin eruptions and an enlarged liver, homeopathic Mercurius would be a suiting remedy.
Sulphur 30 C
If Cushing’s is causing your dog chronic depression, weakness, frequent urination (especially at night), skin eruptions and increased thirst, try Sulphur. If it doesn’t seem to improve any of your dog’s conditions at all after a few days of consistent administration, discontinue Sulphur.
References
Allegretti, Jan and Sommers, Katy D.V.M. The Complete Holistic Dog Book. Celestial Arts, 2003.
Henriques, Julia. “Cushing’s Disease: 4 Natural Remedies to Help Your Dog.” Dogs Naturally Magazine. https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/natural-solutions-for-cushings-disease/. 2022 Jan 17.
Pitcairn, Richard, DVM, PHD, and Pitcairn, Susan Hubble. Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. Rodale, 2005.
Ridgway, Hal B., MD and Moriello, Karen A., DVM. latrogenic Cushing's Syndrome in a Dog From Owner's Topical Corticosteroid. 1993. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/554848
Wynn, Susan G. and Fougere, Barbara J. Veterinary Herbal Medicine. Elsevier, 2007.