Cushings Treatment Testimonials
This page contains testimonials from people who have tried natural and conventional Cushing’s treatment options. Here you can read about real life experiences with medical and holistic Cushing’s treatments for dogs diagnosed with Hyperadrenocorticism.
We always appreciate new testimonials on any Cushing’s treatment regimens. Find out how to send yours in below so we can post them on our site and continue to raise awareness of all the Cushings treatment options out there.
Raychel C writes: “I have a GSP with Cushings. The medications were making her hind end weakness worse, so I stopped that and am only giving her lignans and melatonin! It’s amazing how much better she feels without the chemical drugs.”
Molly W writes: “HMR Ligans and Melatonin are working great for my boy. He has been on both for about six months.”
Marie wrote, “I have a 5.5 lbs Maltese who is 16 yrs old. Been on Vetoryl for 3 mos. Has had 2 ACTH tests and gotten very good results. Her drinking and excess peeing has stopped. Her hair seems to be getting thicker. She is really like a younger dog now. Glad I started the meds….was really scared of them but a Facebook group helped with information about this awful disease.”
Richard wrote, “My Jack Russell, Riley, was diagnosed with Cushings last year. Our vet recommended blood work to check his liver functions and I received the results yesterday. His numbers were back to the normal range and she said whatever I was doing, to keep it up. The “cocktail” has been flaxseed lignans, milk thistle and melatonin.”
A Cushing’s Chihuahua Owner wrote on our blog, “We adopted a neglected dog in very poor health, her primary issue being Cushing’s. It was touch and go as to her prognosis. She had a growth on her adrenal gland and liver and pancreas issues. She’s been on melatonin, lignans (both HMR and flaxseed), as well as a Chinese medicine supplement (Ophiopogon) from our holistic vet. She also receives SAM-E and milk thistle, along with other supplements such as enzymes to help her absorb the nutrients from her food, probiotics, fish oil, mushrooms for immunity, etc. It’s been a year and she has responded wonderfully. Her pot belly (which was very prominent) is gone, her drinking/urinating has greatly reduced, and her coat is starting to finally show signs of improvement though she still has skin issues. She is also on raw organic freeze dried food, which provides important nutritional support. I’m a big believer in natural medicine and just so happy to see her thriving using these treatments and knowing we didn’t have to resort to the “conventional” approach, which is extremely hard on dogs. Thankful for holistic vets and resources like this site that allowed us to give her a good quality of life.”
Ju B writes: “I feed our Bella on raw. I actually feed both my English bulldogs on raw. Very happy with the raw diet. We have a delivery of minced meats, with minced bone in, such as minced duck carcass, minced beef. I’m in the UK & get a monthly delivery from Raw Pet Supplies.”
Susan F wrote, “Thank You. This information has been very helpful. I just ordered Melatonin, Milk Thistle and Lignans for my Joey. He was on Vetoryl but it’s no longer working. Much luck to everyone and prayers for your fur babies. :)”
Susan F UPDATE: “Joey is doing very well. He’s been off Vetoryl now for about 7 weeks. No visible side effects. He’s about 38 lbs. He gets Lignans for Life flaxseed lignans and I give him milk thistle for his liver. I break 1 capsule open and sprinkle it on his lunch. The melatonin is also 1 capsule at lunch (dry low fat kibble and 1/2 cup cooked chicken or ground turkey). He also gets broken up capsules of a probiotic with his morning food. I give a whole dropper full of the liquid Adrenal Harmony Gold 2x day and squirt it right into his mouth at 8am and 8pm. I started ordering truedog raw freeze dried topper from Facebook. He LOVES IT! I sprinkle about 1 Tbsp on top of his regular food 2x day. It has the consistency of Sawdust- and it’s really good for dogs. His “Poop” looks much healthier now and solid. Joey seems to have much more energy. His coat it shinier and he sleeps through the night now! No waking up to pee! 🙂 Panting has decreased by 75%. And I noticed his belly is smaller. When he was on the vetoryl, he started getting a pot belly- I think the Adrenal Gold liquid is helping with that a lot. It’s about $100 a month for all this stuff, but the vetoryl alone was costing me about $75 a month. Hope this helps :)”
Margaret S wrote, “My dog has been on lignans and melatonin for a year and these products are really helping. His pot belly is gone, his hair has grown back, and he isn’t panting anymore.”
Donna T writes: “Using flaxseed lignans and melatonin. It took a while, but my dog is looking better. She’s more peppy too and her breathing isn’t labored.”
Velma T writes: “My vet is treating my dog with Chinese herbs and she has done amazingly well with them. The herb is Ophiopogon and we make all of her food.”
Juliet K writes: “My Yogi has been on nature menu frozen “raw” meat (evening) and Platinum semi moist kibble (morning) for over 3 years since being diagnosed. He is doing very, very well on it. My vet didn’t advise me on diet, I researched and changed him to a raw diet after diagnosis.”
Linda R writes, “Our boston terrier bichon (Augustus) is 8 and was diagnosed in February of 2018. Our original vet wanted to put him down because they gave him too much Trilostane for his diagnosis of Cushings. They had said there was too much wrong with him. They did not catch the diabetes and he crashed the third day into the meds. We took him to Cornell and they told us he might not come home – they were not sure if they could take him off the fluids they had him on. In March we brought him home and worked to stabilize his diabetes.
We took him to our new Vet early in August and she did not like how he looked; she was talking to us about the end of his life. I told her I was going to start him on flaxseed. She said it would not help with the Cushings, but I could try it. She was afraid to give him the trilostane because it might do him in. She also sent us home with B12. I went to the Vet acupuncturist and she said to give him melatonin with the flaxseed. OMG!!!! What a huge differences. He wants to play. He’s barking. He’s sitting more. its a huge difference, plus his sugar numbers have dropped by 100 points. His coat is starting to come back. He still falls over a little when he gets really excited and wants to be in the mix with his brothers and sisters but for the most part, he’s walking. He had B12 once a week for 6 weeks then once a month after that. He is on flaxseed (25 mgs daily) with 2 mgs of melatonin (1 mg in morning and 1 mg at night) and he does acupuncture every other week. He had his appointment today with acupuncturist/vet and she was amazed at how he looked. I can’t believe the transformation. I will keep you all posted on how he progresses here.”
Sandee S wrote, “I am giving my Savannah, Cushing Drops. They seems to be helping her too. She’s not drinking as much and her tummy has gone down a wee little bit! For sure more energy. ”
Deenah B writes: “My weenie dog Ernie has been on trilostane for about three years now. I believe it has managed his condition wonderfully. He also underwent radiation therapy for an upper sinus cavity mass three years ago and had been in a long remission. He is reaching the end stages of his battle with these conditions…as well as liver disease. Poor guy sure got dealt an unfair hand…but he has been happy and closely monitored. Yes- trilostane did make a difference in his quality of life. He will be 15 next March which is truly amazing.”
Carmela A writes: “My 13 1/2 Maltese was diagnosed last year with Cushing’s .. she is on vetoryl. She had the most beautiful coat .. since has lost most of it. A few months ago she also came down with thyroid issues…still no hair growth. Her blood shows very elevated liver. I have switched her diet exactly 1 month ago to dr harvey’s veg to bowl & add my own protein source.. wild caught salmon, beef, eggs, lentils, etc. and 1 tsp of pure fish oil or flax & because of her liver I add milk thistle. Just got her new results… her Cushings numbers are perfect, thyroid better.. reduced her meds & her liver has dramatically improved. Dr was so happy, as am I. Now her hair is growing back & it’s looking great.”
Anne writes: “HMR and melatonin work very well in treating my 13 1/2 yr old Weimaraner to decrease the excess adrenaline form Cushings disease. She is much more peaceful.”
Kasia B writes: “Vetoryl did wonders to my chihuahua!”
Catherine W writes: “My Cushings dog is on k/d diet and doing great!.”
Joanne B wrote, “I use melatonin and lignans for my dog Max’s battle with Cushings and Diabetes. He was diagnosed 4 years ago and at age 13, he is doing quite well with this treatment.”
Carol N wrote, “I take my Cushings dog to see a chiropractor, who does frequency specific microcurrent and he is symptom free. Prior to treatment he had horrible ear discharge and was listless. He has been doing treatments for close to one year and is a new doggie!”
Trudy M wrote, “My dog is on Vetoryl 10mg tablets, one each morning, and she’s doing really well. She has just had her test results back and the vets are really pleased with her. Other than that, I do not give her any other meds.”
Monica K wrote, “HMR Lignans, Melatonin, and Cushex all together work well! My fur baby has a very large tumour on her adrenals! Worse they have seen. She’s still thirsty but doing well in every other way!”
Debbie E writes: “My 12 year old poodle has done amazingly well on trilostane once her correct dose was determined. No side effects. Very pricey but vet lets me order from a pharmacy near me for less.”
Elaine M writes: “In hindsight I see now that my Jack Russell showed symptoms that I attributed to aging. He is almost 12. The first was a little pot belly, not big but a pooch. The second was putting on a little weight and was acting nervous. He was a typical Jack Russell always looking for rats in brush piles and digging around downed logs in the woods, then he started wanting to stay in the truck or by my side. He would want to go out to potty and then want right back in. He would shiver until he was safe in the truck. The third symptom was a voracious appetite. He was resource guarding more and more. Then came the hair loss. That got my attention. Even though he had a belly he was losing muscle, my Jack had been a buff little guy, so that was noticeable. He did not pant or drink excessively. A vet visit and a bunch of tests confirmed Cushing’s. He is on Trilostane and Denamarin. I also give him Flaxseed lignans and melatonin. His numbers are still high, but according to the vet, not unexpected. I home cook his meals. Since he doesn’t drink enough, I also have to give him water with a little broth to keep him hydrated. His personality has changed some, but he is doing pretty good now. Still my silly Jack in the mornings. I do the best I can. The meds (trilostane) and tests are expensive, but we are getting by. Trilostane was recommended by the vet. I have been going to the same vet hospital for 25 years so I trust them. I also use Lignans for Life flaxseed lignans from flaxseed hulls”
Karyn S writes: “Just had my dog’s hormones checked and they have reduced after taking lignans and melatonin; they’re definitely helping her!”
Jessica Y writes: “My dog was diagnosed in March and was regulated with Vetoryl by June, but I believe she is having adverse side effects from the drug. She stopped eating (lost 10% of her body weight in 8 weeks), she is extremely lethargic, and she stares into space. I stopped the medication to see if she begins eating. She’s only 8 and I’m hoping to find a more holistic approach.”
Barbara A wrote, “I gave my Sara lignans and melatonin every day, and denamarin to protect her liver from other prescribed medications. She survived 2 years beyond her diagnosis…fairly well.”
Ardyce L wrote, “We feel fortunate to have found HMR Lignans and the proper strength of Melatonin for treating our diabetic dog who also has Cushings disease.”
Mark U wrote, “My dog Daisy’s fur was getting thinner and each day she was getting worse. She was diagnosed with Cushings Disease and the recommended treatment was surgery or expensive ongoing medications. A friend suggested sprinkling pure powdered fruit and vegetables on her food and we started seeing improvements. Now Daisy is healthy and happy with a silky fur coat.”
Maggie L wrote, “My dog was so lethargic on vetoryl and he became very ill, so I went the lignans and melatonin route. Now he’s jumping around like a puppy and he’s better than he’s ever been.”
Andrew D wrote: “My dog is currently on trilostane for Cushings. She had her blood test again and levels are in normal range with no side effects.”
Shirley B wrote: My dog is taking flaxseed lignans, same, and melatonin. Liver enzymes are down, my dog looks better and the eyes are brighter. Seems to be helping.”
Barb M wrote, “HMR Lignans have made a difference in my terrier with Cushings. His appetite is better, his hot spots have cleared up, and he sleeps better. I also give him 2 melatonin before bed and a homeopathy product called Cushex Drops.”
Shirley G wrote that Trilostane has been working for her dog with Cushings.
Jane writes: “My dog has Cushing disease & the Vet put him on Melatonin & Flaxseed capsules. They have helped markedly!”
Jan wrote: “I currently have my Shih-Tzu on K9 Choice Melatonin 3mg 2x daily and HMR Lignans 20mg 1x daily. While I’ve seen quite a positive change in my 8 year old, such as energy, alertness, no excessive panting or snoring and weight loss, he still acts famished and downs his food in a matter of seconds. His water consumption is still somewhat more than pre-Cushings, but less than it has been post-Cushings. I had started him out on Vetoryl but after just 6 months there wasn’t any notable difference and he started having negative effects, so I switched him to the Melatonin and Lignans about 3 months ago. I also stopped grains and dry kibble and plan on putting him on a raw diet once we have cortisol levels checked.”
Monica wrote: “My dog has Cushings. She had 2 seizures from the medication vetoryl and it left her blind. That was 1 month ago. Her sight returned but she still had the excessive thirst, peeing, appetite and anxiety. I refuse to use vetoryl ever again. She’s now on melatonin , hmr lignans, homeopathics, and some herbs. It’s a work in progress. Some days are easier than others. It’s a horrible disease.”
Lori E wrote, “I use Pet Wellbeings Adrenal Harmony Gold for my dog with Cushing’s.”
Stefanie P wrote, “Melatonin works for us too! But beware of Melatonin that contains Xylitol.”
Dianne V wrote, “My Maltese with Cushings Disease is going to be 16 yrs old & Lignans have helped her.”
Lisa F wrote, “My dog has Atypical Cushings after treatment for Auto Immune Anemia. To avoid the Lysodren my vet wanted to treat him with, I tried Melatonin, HMR lignans and Phosphatidyl Serine. His hair grew back much thicker and his skin bumps went away. He started flopping himself down oddly onto his paws with his legs askew, so I reduced the Melatonin and removed the HMR lignans. He stopped plunking himself down and lying oddly, but his skin bumps returned, he lost fur around his arms and lower legs, and some panting and restlessness at night reoccurred, so I am adding the HMR lignans again and going back to his normal dose of phosphatidyl serine (100mg) and daily fish oil. I am upping his HMR lignan dose this time but trying to keep the melatonin dose on the low side – I may need to adjust in a few weeks or so. I also give him a liver supplement with milk thistle. His stomach has given him problems since the Prednisone and topical treatment for the Anemia; I give him a formula with slippery elm for that. I am hoping the Atypical Cushings symptoms will eventually subside with natural treatment and that I’ll be able to reduce supplements to a maintenance dose. The Melatonin and HMR Lignans have definitely kept my dog from the harsh Lysodren effects, the stress from having to watch him so closely under the Lysodren, and the added expense. I wish my vet would research and work with me more on the natural treatment since it originated from research at a vet hospital.”
Diana S wrote “I give my dog with Cushing’s signs phosphatidylserine (1-100 mg capsule), hemp oil (10-12 drops), hmr lignans, a thyroid pill, and melatonin all twice a day. I do think this helps a lot.”
Anthony T wrote: “I have personally seen an improvement in my dog’s blood test results after using lignans.”
Kasia B wrote: “Trilostane works for my 8 year old chihuahua. 1 year on it since diagnosis. Hope it stays that way for more years.”
Lindsay H wrote: “I tried Veteroyl for my 15 year old pointer mix with Cushings and I won’t use it again. I tried lignans and melatonin and saw good signs after 3 weeks. Now, 3 and a half months in, the pot belly is gone, urinary tract issues are gone, and my dog is back to his normal self. He’s not losing any hair either.”
Roberta S wrote: “My dog is on HMR lignans and now his coat is absolutely gorgeous! I’ve never seen it look so good.”
Gail R wrote: “My dog is also taking trilostane and denamarin. Has been doing well for over 3 years now.”
Clare G wrote: “I tried lignans because they are recommended by the University of Tennessee. My dog’s fur started growing back and nobody can believe how good it looks. He has a rare case of Atypical Cushings. His skin was dry too and now it’s looking so much better.”
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