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Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome
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A small benign tumor of the pituitary gland causes hyperadrenocorticism, more commonly referred to as Cushing's syndrome. According to RecoveryEQ, the syndrome usually affects middle-aged and older horses, with symptoms including increased thirst and urination, abnormal hair growth and lack of shedding, development of a swayback and pot belly, filling above the eyes, a general appearance of malaise, increased appetite with no weight gain, chronic laminitis, loss of muscle over the topline and a compromised immune system.
Medical Treatment
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Although there are currently no methods of removing or stopping the growth of pituitary tumors in horses, some medications have proved effective in treating the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome. Among these are cyproheptadine, a serotonin blocker; pergolide mesylate, originally used to treat Parkinson's in humans; and bromocriptine mesylate, which often is difficult to absorb.
Chaste Tree Berry
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While the medical remedies tend to be expensive, feeding chaste tree berries to horses afflicted with Cushing's syndrome has produced positive results. According to Eye of the Storm Equine Rescue, grinding the berries in a coffee grinder, then feeding one teaspoon twice a day in the regular feed has reportedly reversed the symptoms. This remedy has worked on both ponies and horses, and is relatively inexpensive. Research performed in the United Kingdom seems to support these findings.
Other Herbal Treatments
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Numerous herbs have been part of Cushing's treatments. Numerous others have used a variety of herbal treatments in an attempt to alleviate the symptoms of Cushing's. Australian herbalist Robert McDowell has created a representative treatment consisting of
maritime pine bark, borage, licorice, rosehips, poke root, comfrey, bach flowers, wild rose, scleranthus and water viole. Brewer's yeast is included in many treatment regimens.
Vitamins and Supplements
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Vitamins and minerals are alternative treatments for Cushing's syndrome. Vitamins and minerals have also been used to treat Cushing's, at least in the early stages. The most commonly used include vitamins C and E, and combinations of chromium, magnesium, selenium and sulfur. Ingredients containing Omega-3 fatty acids have also been tried as well as MSM. Most commercial preparations also make use of these.
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Homeopathy Therapy for Cushings Disease in Equine
As people pay more attention to homeopathic remedies for their own health, it's only natural that some animal owners would explore alternative therapies for their pets. Many doctors and veterinarians find no scientific basis for many of these treatments, yet those using them often report exceptional results. In recent years, some horse owners have applied homeopathic remedies to the treatment of Cushing's syndrome.