cushing2

SOME CUSHING’S (PDH) TREATMENTS

Anipryl or Eldepryl (L-Deprenyl, Selegiline)
There are two uses for L-Deprenyl in the dog: the treatment of Cushing’s disease, an adrenal hormone imbalance, and the treatment of senile mental deterioration ("Canine Cognitive Dysfunction"). Used to treat PDH.

Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Ketoconazole suppresses hormone synthesis and has been used in rare instances to treat conditions associated with excessive production of the hormone cortisone from the adrenal gland. Used to treat PDH.

Lysodren (Mitotane)
Traditional therapy for Cushing's. Lysodren is a chemotherapy drug (structurally related to "DDT"). It erodes the layers of the adrenal gland that produce corticosteroid hormones. Used to treat PDH & ADH.

Modrenal (Modrastane, Trilostane, Vetoryl)
Trilostane, the active ingredient in Vetoryl, selectively blocks glucocorticoid synthesis, reducing serum cortisol levels and controlling the clinical signs of Cushing's. Manufactured in the UK.

Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Phosphatidylserine is a safe nutritional supplement that naturally supresses stress hormones (ACTH & cortisol). Clinical studies indicate that PS may be effective for Cushing's (PDH & ADH), epilepsy, memory loss, mood and cognitive performance. *NOTE: PS cannot cure Cushing's, but it can be effective for borderline cases (Pre-Cushing's, Hypercortisolemia), or as an adjunctive therapy.

NOTE.

Drugs to treat Cushing's disease are expensive, but if the disease is caught early, the treatment suits the dog, and a healthy diet is given, then there is no reason why they should not happily live out their normal life spans. Also many of the drugs used to treat dogs are 'human' drugs and can often be obtained from a chemist with a vet prescription and this way, they are often cheaper.