Homeopathic Therapy for Cushing's Disease in Equines

Disorders of the pituitary gland can lead to a hormonal imbalance known as Cushing's disease in horses. The disease occurs most often in older horses, with 20 being the average age of diagnosis, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Homeopathic treatments may be effective for horses with Cushing's disease.

  1. Cushing's Disease

    • Cushing's disease occurs when corticosteroids are overproduced in the horse's body. This can have two causes. The adrenal gland controls the functions of the pituitary gland, which actually produces the corticosteroids. So a disorder of either gland can cause the overproduction of corticosteroids. Homeopathic treatment plans would differ depending on which gland the disorder originates in.

      Hair loss is a common symptom of the disease, but it is also a symptom of many other disorders, including normal aging. A veterinarian should make a diagnosis that will also determine the cause of the Cushing's disease.

    Homeopathic Remedies

    • For horses where Cushing's disease is triggered by disorders of the pituitary gland, a treatment of homeopathic pituitary is usually indicated. A holistic veterinarian should administer this substance. According to Alternativepethealth.com, homeopathic pituitary is made from a portion of the pituitary gland of slaughtered animals. The treatment is accomplished in low doses over a long period of time and is thought to balance the output of the pituitary gland.

      Homeopathic formic acid can be an effective treatment of horses with Cushing's disease if it is diagnosed in the early stages. It can also be used for horses suffering from hair loss from other causes. Formic acid is considered an irritant and should be used with caution and under the direction of a holistic veterinarian.

    Other Considerations

    • Diet is also important in developing a therapy for Cushing's disease in horses. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Cushing's disease can have a similar effect on horses as diabetes, a relatively rare equine disease. Horses with Cushing's disease can be resistant to insulin, which limits their body's ability to deal with sugar. Sweet feeds should be fed on a limited basis to horses with Cushing's disease.

      Horses with Cushing's disease should be kept at a reasonable weight. Supplements such as garlic, rose hips and nettle also may be useful in maintaining horses with Cushing's disease as they promote the overall health and immune system of the animal. Hoof care can be an issue with horses with Cushing's disease. Laminitis, or founder, is one of the possible symptoms of the disease.