Cushings


 Cushings in Pets 

dog-with-cushings-cropped

What is Cushings?

It is a metabolic disease ie primarily a disruption to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. It is known as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction or PPID.

Metabolic Causes

Cushing’s (PPID) is caused by progressive nerve degeneration within the hypothalamus, leading to a reduction in a neurotrasmitter substance called dopamine. Dopamine is important in controlling the secretions of a part of the pituitary gland which in turn is responsible for controlling the secretion of hormones including ACTH and cortisol. When the pituitary is not exposed to enough dopamine from the hypothalamus,  the production  of these hormones (ACTH)  becomes abnormally high .

ACTH refers to Adrenocorticotropic hormone is produced in the, pituitary gland in the brain. The function of ACTH is to regulate levels of the steroid hormone cortisol, which released from the adrenal gland. Too much and sustained will cortisol/stress will  lead to cushings.

This diagram shows the stress pathway.

stress axisWith this in mind it is very important that you manage your pet’s stress levels.

Clinical Signs and symptoms

  • Blood tests will reveal abnormally high levels of ACTH Adrenocorticotropic hormone.
  • Low levels of dopamine which leads to lethargy and poor movement.
  • Change in body conformation through loss of muscle mass and a pot belly due to weakening and stretching of abdominal muscles.
  • Decreased muscle integrity due to low levels of dopamine and a lack of movement which leads to a change in attitude/lethargy.
  • Fat deposits, especially along  the neck and abdomen.
  • Pot belly, thinning of the skin and hair loss in patches
  • Recurrent bouts of paw and nail infections and issues
  • Bruises easily with lumps under  the skin.
  • Increased drinking and urination accompanied with abnormal sweating
  • Recurrent infections and delayed or poor wound healing due to compromised immune system.
  • Disruption to the reproductive system ie absent reproductive cycle/infertility
  • Hypertension and heart issues

Possible Lifestyle and Biological Causes

  • Age ; generally older pets  are more prone to this disease this is because as a pet ages the cortisol set point remains and becomes progressively higher which ultimately will impact on the hypothalamus.
  • Prolonged stress. This is not to be confused with neglect and cruelty though this would certainly contribute to its onset. I refer to more subtle form of stress from systemic inflammation, a predominantly hyper alert state, a pet that is exposed to situations that stress them and don’t respond well to desensitising training methods.
  • Untreated or poorly managed insulin resistance and/or sub-clinical  diabetes.
  • Diet too high in simple sugars, transfats, wheat based foods, processed feeds ie a diet consisting solely of biscuits, low vitamin D levels.

Veterinary Treatment

  • Initial diagnosis  include measuring the resting ACTH level, performing a TRH Stimulation Test, and others and from that prescribing the following not to be confused with normal aging.
  • Cortisol levels (hyperadrenocorticism) can be measure but because concentrations of cortisol  fluctuate throughout the day,this can not be used in isolation.
  • Additional tests include : ACTH Stimulation Test, Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test, and Urinary Cortisol:Creatinine Ratio.
  • Drugs that are used include Bromocriptine (replaces dopamine production) Trilostane (inhibits cortisol production) Cyproheptadine (inhibits serotonin production)

How Cushings can be Managed by Pet owners

  • Dietary changes: reduce all processed foods in particular those that have wheat and omega oils added at the time of manufacture.
  • Address possible insulin resistance by eliminating completely sweet treats and refined wheat products.
  • Lower the food GI by adding coconut oil. Add between 1-2 tsp of coconut oil to food as this will help lower GI and reduce the insulin fluctuations. Coconut oil (MCT’s) are broken down immediately by saliva and gastric juice enzymes so that the pancreatic fat-digesting juices are not involved in their digestion. They are then broken down into medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Unlike other fatty acids these MCFA’s are absorbed directly from the intestines into the portal vein the then straight onto the liver. They are not packaged into lipoproteins like other fatty acids( tending to lay down fat) but are converted into fuel via the liver. This also helps help stabilize blood sugar.
  • Manage Stress levels this is essential in reducing the adrenal reactivity and elevated cortisol levels.
  • Make sure that your pet is exercised daily.

Natural and Herbal Treatment

  • Amino acids such as lysine methionine and threonine to support lean muscle mass
  • High doses of vitamin C and vitamin B1 can also help with Cushings.
  • Synthetic DHEA can be administered as that is depleted when cortisol levels are elevated
  • St John’s wort is NOT recommended for this condition, as it will raise already over elevated serotonin levels.
  • Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus) is the one herb that is able to influence the pituitary gland which will help modify the stress axis responsible for the onset of this disease. Vitex agnus contains steroidal hormone precursors which works by regulating the pituitary gland, by sending signals to other glands instructing them of how much of each hormone to make. A study has shown that extracts of vitex agnes can bind to opiate receptors which could explain why intake of vitex reduces is sedating.
  • Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) can help with this condition by increasing turnover of both dopamine and serotonin ginkgo also reduces stress and anxiety by lowering levels of cortisol.
  • Ashwagandha Withania somnifera is an adaptogen which is able to bring the endocrine system into balance as well as an is anti-inflammatory agent, and as an “adaptogen” (endurance enhancer) and able to reduce the effect of stress. Of note is that is also able to increase levels of available dopamine. (Something that is low in animals with Cushings. Its exact physiological effect can be found by following this link.
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