Endocrine Diseases
MANY OF THE diseases affecting the endocrine glands are outwith the scope of homoeopathic or other treatment, consisting
in many cases of tumours which affect the function of the glands and lead to over or under-activity. Tumours of the pi-
tuitary gland are not uncommon and can lead to malfunction of other glands. The glands which concern us as regards
treatment are the pancreas, the posterior pituitary and the adrenals giving rise to Diabetes mellitus, Diabetes insipidus
and Cushing's syndrome. Disturbances of thyroid function are also not uncommon but conventional replacement therapy
in hypothyroidism is entirely adequate, while hyper-thyroidism (Graves' Disease) is infrequently observed.
1. THE
This gland has a double function in that it produces a hormone insulin which controls sugar metabolism (the endocrine
function) and also digestive enzymes (the exocrine function). Conditions affecting the latter function-pancreatitis, have
already been referred to under the heading Digestive Diseases and we shall here concentrate on the endocrine function, in
essence that of hypofunction, viz Diabetes mellitus.
DIABETES MELLITUS. This disease can take a long time to manifest itself clinically and appears to be increasing among
the canine population especially among bitches over five years of age.
ETIOLOGY. The primary cause is a decrease in the amount of the hormone insulin secreted and this in turn depends on
many other factors including the role played by the pituitary gland.
CLINICAL SIGNS. Symptoms may develop insidiously and are frequently advanced by the time professional help is
sought. Loss of weight and excessive drinking are the usual signs which first attract attention. The appetite is usually well-
maintained while cataract and skin lesions are more or less constant complications in severe cases. The liver is also af-
fected leading to acidosis as a result of incomplete combustion of fats.
TREATMENT. It must be clearly understood that the selection of remedies outlined is not intended to replace insulin ther-
apy, but merely to supplement this. However, mild cases may respond to careful diet and remedies as needed. Among the
more commonly employed remedies are the following
1. SYZYGIUM 3x. Indicated when there is increased passage of urine which has a high sugar content. Thirst is usually
pronounced.
2. SILICEA 30c. This remedy may help cases which have developed cataract.
3. CALC. FLUOR. 30c. A good tissue remedy which also will have a beneficial effect in opacities of the eye structures.
4. URANIUM NIT. 30c. Indicated when there is profuse nocturnal urination, the urine being pale and milky-looking. Sugar
in the urine is usually preceded by albuminuria.
5. IRIS VERS. 30c. When this remedy is indicated there are soft yellowish stools accompanying a urine of a high specific
gravity. It is a good pancreatic remedy in general.
6. IODUM 30c. The urine may be deep yellowish-green and have a milky appearance. Bowel motions are loose and pale,
sometimes frothy and yellow with a mushy consistency.
7. PANCREATIN 30c. The intercurrent use of the pancreas nosode will aid the action of selected remedies.
2. THE POSTERIOR PITUITARY GLAND
DIABETES INSIPIDUS. This affection is manifested by the animal producing large amounts of clear dilute urine, at the
same time large quantities of water are drunk. It is more common in the older animal
ETIOLOGY. Many cases are due to lesions affecting the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland and associated structures but
others arise without any cause having been established.
CLINICAL SIGNS. The owner's attention is drawn to the large amounts of water consumed and the correspondingly large
output of clear dilute urine of a very low specific gravity. The onset may be gradual or signs may appear suddenly. Output
of urine may increase during the hours of darkness. There is an overall dry appearance of the coat, while visible mucous
membranes together with the mouth and tongue appear dry.
TREATMENT. It is rare for a permanent cure to be effected but the polyuria and excessive drinking can be controlled to a
large extent by the use of appropriate remedies. Chief among these are the following
1. URANIUM NIT. 30c. This remedy has a beneficial action on pancreas function generally. The urine varies between high
and low specific gravity depending on food partaken.
2. ACETIC ACID 30c. When this remedy is indicated the abdomen is distended and the urine contains phosphates. There is
an accompanying diarrhoea
3. ALFALFA 6x A bloated abdomen with urine containing increased urea and phosphates may indicate the need for this
remedy. Stools are loose and yellow.
4. CANNABIS IND. 30c. The animal may have difficulty in passing urine which is slow to come. The urine itself is again
pale. Yellowish diarrhoea is present.
5. EUPATORIUM PURPUREUM 30c. Passage of urine is increased at night. The urine contains deposits of lithates.
6. APOCYNUM CANN. 30c. The urine is copious and passed almost involuntarily. There are no deposits present.
7. ACID. PHOS. 30c. On standing the urine becomes thick and cloudy. There may be tenderness over the lumbar region and
uneasiness before passage of urine.
8. CORTICOTROPHIN (A.C.T.H.) 30c. The potentised steroid will materially aid the action of other remedies and can be
given as an intercurrent remedy.
3. THE ADRENAL GLANDS
The only condition which need concern us here is that brought about by an increase in the function of the adrenal cortex
-a syndrome which goes by the name of Cushing's Disease.
ETIOLOGY OF CUSHING'S DISEASE. This condition is brought on by excessive production of the steroid hormones pro-
duced by the outer layer (cortex) of the adrenal gland. It is seen more in dogs over seven years old and can affect all breeds.
CLINICAL SIGNS. Enlargement of the abdominal cavity is an early sign together with a dry appearance of the coat which
progresses to weakness of the hair follicles leading to loss of hair. This is seen on both flanks giving a symmetrical ap-
pearance to the lesions and extends to other areas including the front of the legs, behind the ears and in the flexions of
the joints. The tail is also affected. As the condition worsens the abdomen increases in size. Skin lesions are also common,
pimply rashes occurring on rough scaly surfaces. Blood examination reveals a decrease in the number of white cells of the
lymphocyte and eosinophil types.
TREATMENT. The main remedies to be considered are as follows:
1. CORTICOTROPHIN (A.C.T.H.) 30c. This hormone has given good results in treatment, helping to reduce the excess of
fluid which is sometimes present in the tissues and generally improving the adrenal function.
2. CORTISONE 30c. This hormone in potency will also assist in counteracting the effects of over-production of the crude
hormone
3. THALLIUM ACETAS 30c. This remedy has a trophic action on the skin and hair follicles and should help restore a healthy
coat.
FOOTNOTE. It should be noted that the indiscrimate use or over-administration of Cortisone and other steroid hormones
can produce a clinical picture indistinguishable from the actual disease. This is frequently seen after prolonged steroid
treatment in skin disease. This represents a serious hazard to homoeopathic prescribing as remedies will not act properly
in the presence of these drugs if present in excess. The use of the potentised hormone along with remedies such as NUX
VOMICA and THUJA will help overcome this.