Thursday, July 23, 2009

Diet For A Cushing's Dog

By Moses Wright

Cushings disease in dogs is also known as hyperadrenocorticism. Canine Cushings disease causes the dogs body to produce excessive amounts of corticosteroids. A common cause of canine Cushings disease is a tumor on the adrenal or pituitary gland.

Canine Cushings disease symptoms are increased appetite and thirst, increased urination, patchy hair loss, high blood pressure, and panting. The dogs skin is affected by Cushings disease. This condition can cause calcified lumps, thinning of the skin, and makes the skin prone to infections.

For the diagnosis of Cushing disease, the veterinarian may perform blood tests. Medications or surgery to remove any tumors may be recommended for treatment of the disease. Treatment does not necessarily lengthen the dogs life, but may improve the quality of the dogs life.

A diet for a Cushing's dog may help with the symptoms of Cushings disease. Any diet for a dog with Cushings disease should be low fat, low fiber, low purine, and high protein.

Hills Prescription i/d diet is formulated to treat gastrointestinal disorders, but it is also recommended for many other dog health problems including Cushings disease. Some experts suggest that the owner of a dog with Cushings disease avoid feeding the dog any manufactured food.

Dog owners may try to help treat their dog with a raw food diet of a Cushings dog. The recommendations for the main ingredients of a raw food diet for a Cushings dog are raw meat and vegetables.

Some vitamins and supplements are sold with claims for treating Cushings dogs. A dog owner should ask a veterinarian before giving the dog vitamins and supplements for Cushings. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and selenium are thought to help a Cushings dogs immune system.

The dog should always have access to fresh water which may need to be filled more often than usual due to the increased thirst. Foods that contain potassium are recommended. Potatoes with the skin, beans, and broccoli are high in potassium.

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