Poohbear

[jdpooh]

I am new to message boards but feel at a total loss and need help. My 9 yr old mastiff/shepard mix female, Poohbear, was diagnosed with pituitary driven cushings last week. The Veterinarian wants to start her on the lysodren but it seems so harsh to me. Has anyone tried the herbal stuff called Supraglan? I found it at a site called petwellbeing.com and I think I might give it a try as I believe in using the least toxic remedies I can on both myself and my dogs. She does not act that sick but has been drinking like crazy, pees alot, getting more lethargic and I don't want her to get worse. I am at a loss --do I just go ahead and get her started on the lysodren or give the other a chance? Thanks for any help. Jill and Pooh

[ABsMyGirl]

I would surely hope that if there is a herbal alternative that could be effective that your Veterinarian would be able to discuss this with you.

We have more dogs here than sense, and my Veterinarian often has us use "home remedies, or alternative methods" with success. But that is his way of practice. The population here has nothing to do with it.
I know just a quick search (canine Cushing's disease) on the net came up with 3 medications. But I am not sure of the success rate for each.

Take Care, Good luck
Di

[jdpooh]

Got Poohbear started on the supraglan yesterday. Also picked up a book about herbal treatments for dogs and prepared a powdered mixture to add to her food--it includes ground eggshells,alfalfa,yeast and some other things. If you are interested the book is called "Dr. Pitcairns Complete Guide to Natural Health for dogs and cats" and the powder is on page 39. Pooh has been doing ok--no worse and I am hopeful the supraglan and supplements will help regulate her cortisol enough we can avoid using the lysodren.

[kassie]

Hi, my dog has also just been diagnosed with Cushings. The Veterinarian wants to start her on medications. He says that it could take a while to get her regulated with many blood test and visits to the Veterinarian. I read some horror stories about some of the medications used for this disease. Is your dog still on the Supraglan and would you recommend it.

[Jay]

Hello, I just started my dog on Supragland yesterday, June 17, 2008. Like both of you, my dog, Shadow, has just been diagnosed with cushings desease. My Veterinarian also wanted to start her on medication and regular blood tests. I also thought the treatment would be quite harsh especially when nothing is promissed at the end of the line. Why go with chemicals when you can go with natural products (if they work of course). Anyone of you can say if Supragland does work or not? I also have my dog on glucosamine, hoping these will help her stay more mobile, (arthritis).

[boblw]

Our 12 year old Bichon was diagnosed with Pituitary induced Cushings Disease over a year ago. After researching the chemicals the Veterinarian wanted to give her we looked for other alternatives. She has been on Supraglan for over a year now. She does drink a lot of water and I have to get up in the middle of the night to let her out but she is not drinking the huge amounts she should be by now, given the Cushings.

In addition, she has lost no hair on her back or sides, she doesn't have a pot belly, and her hind legs are doing fine. Other than a little panting now and then and late night trips to so she can do her business, she is the same sweet dog she has always been.

I don't know if it is the Supraglan that is keeping her in such good shape but we thought we'd have to put her down by now and she is still going strong. The price is reasonable and it is surely worth a try. She is only a 20 lb. dog so we give her about 10 drops, twice a day with food. Good luck. Bob

[dracopop]

As long as the danger signs of vomiting, diarrhea, pain, seizures, and bleeding do not occur; the pet is not really critically ill. Muscle weakness may also cause a reduced tolerance for exercise and lethargy, both of which are typical in aging dogs. And as long as it's 100% herbal I think it would do no harm to your dog. But still it is best to ask the veterinarian to be sure. I hope she'll be well soon.