Chusings Syndrome and "no grain dog food"

by Sherry Esenwein
(Annapolis, Md)

Hi,
We have a yellow lab whom will turn 13 in April, 2010. She has atypical Cushings Disease and takes Vetoryl from England daily along with WD Science Diet Chicken dry food. Her ALK enzyme level fluctuates from 1000 to 2000 and has for 7 years. All other liver enzymes are normal. Also when we check her CBC and Liver enzymes she must fast much longer than a normal canine. Usually for 20 to 24 hours because she always has high fat in her blood. Do you have any recommendations for a "no grain dog food"? Or do you think we should remain on The Science Diet WD? Thank you very much for your time!
Sincerely,
Sherry Esenwein
P.S. She also has Megaesophagus....


Anserw:

Hi Sherry

If dry dog food is working despite the megaosophasus i would continue giving this type of food.

If she has problems with the blood fats, maybe you should try a more protein rich dog food.

Often these types contain less carbohydrates as well

Why do I suggest this?

Chusings disease is a disease where the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. Sometimes this put some strain on the insulin system as well as cortisol tends to raise blood sugar levels.

I don't know if she has any tendency towards being diabetic. If Vetoryl is working well this might not be the case.

If you give carbohydrates this triggers the insulin formation as well. Insulin will lower the blood sugar and build fat.

Some may say this is one reason for the increase in blood fats as well.

This is why some humans having blood fat problems, may get better if they are eating more protein and less "sugar". Less insulin fluctuations will stabilise the blood sugar and produce less fat and lowering the blood fats as well.

This may be the same in dogs as well. It is controversial but why not try it out.

Dry dog food is hard to get very low in carbohydrates. But one which i have found containing least carbohydrates, no grains and most protein is Orijen dog food.

Try this out and see if this improves the blood fats.

All the best

DVM Per Schonbeck