CBD and Cushing’s disease in dogs is among the most researched topics by pet parents. And, for good reason. We’ll get to why, but let’s discuss what Cushing’s is first. Cushing’s disease is a hormonal disorder that can cause your dog to gain weight, urinate more frequently and excessively, and even drink more water than usual. Let’s dive a little deeper.
What is Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?
Cushing’s disease is a condition that affects the endocrine system, causing the thyroid gland to overproduce hormones. It can cause symptoms in dogs including weight loss, increased thirst and urination, muscle weakness or stiffness, and excessive panting.
A common cause of Cushing’s disease is a tumor on the pituitary gland, which is located in the brain. This type of tumor makes too much ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which then causes too much cortisol production.
While it’s possible for dogs to have Cushing’s disease without having any symptoms or showing signs of illness, most dogs will have symptoms at some point during their life. The only way to definitively diagnose Cushing’s disease is by doing blood tests and other diagnostic tests as well as performing imaging studies such as an MRI scan or CT scan.
What Causes Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?
Cushing’s disease in dogs is a condition that results from an excess of cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone. This overproduction can be caused by many different factors, including an adrenal gland tumor or cancerous cells on the pituitary gland.
Cushing’s disease occurs when there is an overactive production of cortisol and other corticosteroids by the adrenal glands. The ovaries also produce these hormones but at lower levels than the adrenal glands do.
When your dog has high levels of cortisol in their body and it continues to rise over time, this can cause many health problems such as diabetes mellitus type 2 – insulin resistance leading to obesity which eventually worsens Cushing’s Disease symptoms (opposite effect) due to hormones balancing out again after reducing intake/increase exercise level).
Are Some Dog Breeds More Prone to Cushing’s?
Cushing’s Disease in dogs is a relatively common condition, especially in older dogs. Although any dog breed can develop Cushing’s disease, the following breeds are most prone:
- Beagles
- Boston Terriers
- Boxers
- Dachshunds
- German Shepherds
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Poodles
Cushing’s Disease in Dogs Natural Treatment
Certain hormone-regulating drugs, like trilostane or mitotane, are typically prescribed to dogs that have been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease, which is the standard method of treatment for the condition. Surgery is an option that may be considered by veterinarians in exceptional circumstances; however, due to the risks involved, this course of treatment is typically reserved for younger dogs.
Instead, natural solutions, such as CBD oil for dogs with Cushing’s disease, may offer a holistic alternative to the anxiety associated with surgery or drugs that are harmful to the liver.
Full-spectrum CBD oil may be beneficial for dogs with Cushing’s disease in a number of important ways, as suggested by the existing body of research as well as the findings of a large number of case studies. First, by correcting the hormonal imbalance, and second, by reducing the size of, or possibly removing entirely, the tumors that are the root of the problem.
Looking at CBD Research Studies
There are a number of studies that are pertinent to the question of whether or not CBD may be beneficial for dogs that have Cushing’s disease. In experiments conducted on animals suffering from a variety of conditions, including tumors, pain, hormone imbalances, and inflammation, it was shown that CBD had a positive effect.
According to the findings of a research study that was carried out by the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, the A.B. Hancock Jr. Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research, the Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, and the Vanderbilt Ingram Comprehensive Cancer Center. The findings of the study led the researchers to the conclusion that there is reason for optimism regarding the use of CBD in the treatment of cancer and tumors.
Another recent study discovered that CBD prevented the development of tumors in mice as well as decreased the growth of malignant cells already present in the animals. According to the findings of this research, CBD may represent a potentially useful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancers in both people and animals.
Another research investigation that was carried out by the Physiology Department of the School of Medicine at Southern Illinois University. Researchers discovered that CBD has the potential to have significant effects on the release of hormones like cortisol.
Read more:
Treating Cushing’s Disease in Dogs | FDA
Mitotane | VCA Animal Hospital
Adrenal Tumor Treatment in Cushing’s Syndrome – Veterinary Partner