CUSHING’S DISEASE

Cushing’s Disease occurs when the adrenal glands over produce the hormone corticosteroid. Often referred to by your vet as Hyperadrenocorticism, the disease can be a result of natural degradation of your pet’s adrenal or pituitary gland or be developed through the use of medications such as prednisone. Tumors of the adrenal glands can force the secretion of excessive amounts of ACTH which will stimulate the gland to overproduce corticosteroids with about 15% of adrenal tumor cases developing into Hyperadrenocorticism.

Cushings disease symptoms are recognized by an increased desire for water, frequent urination, amplified appetite, increased panting, high blood pressure, hair loss throughout the body along with a pendulous belly, a thinning of their skin and calcified lumps within the epidermal layers.  Your pet, when suffering from these affections can experience a susceptibility to skin infections, diabetes and a weakening of the heart and skeletal muscles as well as a breakdown of the nervous system. 

Simple blood test using a low dose injection of dexamethasone, can detect if Cushings in present. The shot is given in the morning and shows whether your dog’s system is suppressing a rise in Cortisol levels in the blood stream. Where Cushings is indicated, the dog’s body won’t be able to suppress Cortisol production. Upon diagnosis the vet will need to determine the source of the disease; whether it is from a tumor on the adrenal or pituitary gland or if there has been a reaction to the use of steroid medication. In the case of medication reaction the solution is usually as simple as reducing or eliminating it’s use which should bring the dog’s metabolic system back to normal.

For situations where the source is a tumor, the location will dictate the treatment. For tumors on the adrenal glands your vet will likely recommend a specialist surgically remove it however for tumors on the pituitary gland removal is not the preferred method. Treatment is most often done via the prescription of the drug Lysodren or Ketaconzole. The drug works by targeting the outer layer of the gland with the idea of destroying a small amount of the gland causing it to bring down the production levels of corticosteroids to normal. This course of action requires careful monitoring as too much of the drug can cause a host of problems such as loss of appetite, vomiting, bowel incontinence, sluggishness and overall muscular weakness.  Should these signs appear during treatment your vet will need to be notified immediately and other options explored.

Cushings disease caused by tumors on the pituitary gland can not be cured as the treatments are more of a symptomatic therapy.  The life span of a dog with this illness, whether treated or not, is approximately 2 years which can differ depending upon your pet’s general health before the onset of the disease, their age and reaction to treatments. In most cases treatments are viewed as a way to keep your pet comfortable and providing them with a better quality of life in the remaining years that are left.

NuVet Plus contains a scientifically researched and developed formula that was 8 years in the making. Carefully designed to the target dangerous elements that can affect your dogs’ health and vitality, NuVet Plus contains FDA approved human grade ingredients to ensure only quality components within its products will have the desired effect for your pet. 

Many of NuVet Plus ingredients are essential in the fight against Addison’s Disease. For example; Fundamentally aiding in the digestion of protein, Papain’s activity helps to cleanse the tissues and intestinal walls.  The unique ability of Papain to break down protein and convert a portion of it into Arginine is extremely important because Arginine, in its natural form, has been found to influence the production of HGH.  HGH, produced in the pituitary gland, is directly responsible for DNA and RNA replication as well as synthesis in liver, muscle, cartilage, and adipose tissues.  HGH helps to increase muscle tone and decrease body fat.  Arginine has also been found to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells in test tube studies

Extremely rich in calcium, NuVet uses choice Oyster Shell because it is the major constituent in the structural framework of bones.  Practically every cell in the body, notably those in the heart, nerves, and muscles rely on calcium to function properly. Proper levels of calcium in the system help fight bone loss and the heart requires calcium to maintain a normal beat.  Muscles use it for the contraction and relaxation of muscle fibers, and calcium is essential known as a blood clotting agent as well protecting nerve sheaths for optimum nervous system functionality.

The use of Green Algae, an abundant source for chlorophyll, is used by the body to strengthen the immune system, heal wounds and boost hemoglobin production as well as purifying the blood. This is an extremely important nutrient for dogs suffering from Cushings Disease or for just making sure they don’t have an issue in the future. NuVet uses 100% chicken liver which, consistent with the high standards required for all ingredients, is paddle-dried so as to retain all the omega fatty acids and vitamins like A, C and B-complex.  Chicken liver is know as great food for fighting anemia and helps build healthy red blood cells.

Prevention and vigilance are key to having and healthy and happy pet and will save you lots of money in the long run. NuVet Labs is so emphatic about the quality of the ingredients used, along with its dedication to providing the most modern manufacturing facilities to produce its products, its no surprise how much the people at NuVet Labs truly love their pets.