Cushing’s

Cushing's in Dogs

Subsides Naturally as Cortisol is Quelled

Cushing's in dogs occurs when adrenal glands create too much cortisol. Cortisol is created when the pituitary gland communicates a stress signal to the adrenal gland.

Cortisol controls many important physiological processes. It controls functions of the cardiovascular system, regulates blood sugar levels and kidney function, balances metabolism, and regulates both the nervous system and immune response.

Alert Dog

Symptoms of Cushing's in Dogs

When cortisol is elevated, the body experiences a range of negative consequences including:

  • Excessive water consumption
  • Excessive urination
  • Loss of bladder control (accidents around the house)
  • Increased appetite, bot belly
  • Weight gain (mostly redistribution of fat)
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Lethargy, weakness
  • Baldness or thinning hair
  • Calcified lumps in the skin
  • Weakened immune system
  • Pancreatitis and/or diabetes 

If your dog has suffered from autoimmune conditions like chronic allergies or rheumatoid arthritis, you may see improvement in these conditions as the immune system is suppressed by the excess of cortisol. Overall, however, Cushing's in dogs has a detrimental effect on health and these improvements are likely to be temporary.

What Causes Cushing's in Dogs?

By far the most common cause, accounting for 85% to 90% of all cases of Cushing's in dogs, are pituitary gland tumors. The tumor causes your dog's pituitary gland to overproduce the hormone Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), which tells the adrenal glands to make cortisol.

Cushing's in dogs may also be caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland itself. This tumor will cause the adrenal gland to overproduce cortisol, regardless of whether it is instructed to do so by the pituitary gland. These tumors may be benign or malignant and of various sizes.

Cushing's may also be caused by long-term steroid treatment. The only treatment in this case is to remove the steroids, which will generally cause a resurgence in the condition being treated by the steroids.

Treatment for Cushing's Disease

Conventional Treatment

Conventional treatment of Cushing's in dogs involves the surgical removal of the tumor if it occurs in the adrenal gland or management with two drugs, trilostane (Vetoryl®) and mitotane (Lysodren®). If the tumor is malignant, a course of cancer treatment such as radiation or chemo may also be advised.

Balance is the Answer

Ayurvedic medicine was used thousands of years ago to treat symptoms that today resemble Metabolic Syndrome in humans and, similarly, Cushing's in dogs. These herbs are used in Primalix CortiQuel to support a healthy endocrine system in which the pituitary and adrenal glands operate in harmony, without the risks of surgery or drugs.

Nature's Formula for Quelling Cortisol

Cushing's in dogs is brought on by elevated levels of cortisol. Nature provides a formula for quelling cortisol that is drug-free, surgery-free, plant based, and was commonly administered by ancient healers.

What is Primalix CortiQuel?

  • Primalix CortiQuel is a full-spectrum, herbal nutrient formula for dogs of all breeds
  • Does not require surgery or drugs with negative side effects
  • Alcohol-free extraction solvent consists of a proprietary blend of organic vegetable glycerin, apple cider vinegar, and crystal-clear water
  • Easy to use Functional Food Drops that can be added to your dog's wet, dry, or raw food or given orally
  • Works holistically to support a healthy metabolism

Primalix CortiQuel Ingredients

Rhodiola Rosea root is part of a group of herbs known as adaptogens. These herbs can find stresses within physiological systems and restore balance. Rhodiola Rosea root has been found to protect against stress and enhance immune system function. 

In clinical studies, this herb has been found to normalize heart rate after intense exercise, increase protein synthesis, and improve the nervous system. It increases blood flow to the muscle and brain, increasing mental functions and muscle tone. Rhodiola root normalizes stress responses that increase cortisol production by mediating cortisol secretion levels.

Astragalus root is well known for its ability to bring the immune system up to optimum functioning, but it is also excellent for buffering the body against stress. It produces natural anti-stress compounds and is even believed to interrupt delivery of stress hormones such as cortisol by making it more difficult for them to bind to receptors. Astragalus root has been found to reduce the overproduction of cortisol caused by Cushing's in dogs and prevent the body from absorbing existing cortisol.

Dandelion root has been used throughout history to cleanse the liver, kidneys and colon, and decongest the gallbladder by increasing bile production flow. It has been shown to stimulate cell metabolism by helping the body push metabolic waste into the blood to be cleansed by the liver. 

Alfalfa is well known by naturopathic physicians to promote pituitary gland function. For thousands of years ancient Chinese have used Alfalfa to alleviate fluid retention and swelling. This nutrition powerhouse has about 300 nutrients, as well as phytonutrients, including protein, beta-carotene, vitamins A, B1, B2, and many more. Alfalfa alkalizes the system, which makes it more difficult for cancer to grow. It also reduces muscle failure and fatigue.

Shiitake mushroom is used by natural healers as a powerful anti-tumor agent thanks to the polysaccharides and glycoprotein it contains. Shitake is also rich in other substances that research has found to be antiviral, encouraging the development of platelets and helping to balance cholesterol. Shiitake can enhance cell-mediated immune responses and help the body regulate biological responses including those related to cortisol production.

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Key Benefits

  • Non-steroidal: free of short and long-term steroidal side effects
  • Used for immediate support - ideal for long term dietary maintenance
  • Easy to add to your dog's feeding routine
  • Keeps your dog safe from drugs while nourishing and fortifying the adrenal glands

Dosing Instructions

Add to food:

  • Small Dogs (under 20 lbs) 1 dropper twice daily
  • Medium Dogs (20 to 60 lbs) 2 droppers twice daily
  • Large Dogs (61 to 100 lbs) 3 droppers twice daily
  • Giant Dogs (101 lbs and up) 4 droppers twice daily

NOTE: One "dropper" equals one squeeze of the black bulb (1.0mL), which fills the pipette about half full. Refrigerate after opening.

NOTE: CortiQuel for Dogs is NOT recommended for pregnant or nursing animals or for dogs on blood-thinning or anti-rejection drugs.

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