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My chihuahua with Cushing's struggles to walk. Any natural help?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | 10 years and 11 months old
My 11 chihuahua has cushings and is under a holistic vet. Treatment is going well and now has only few symptoms except she has almost lost the ability to walk, no strength in all 4 legs. Is there a natural medication you can suggest to give her back the ability to go for small walks again. She walks around the house, but on uneven ground will fall over. She has no pain in her legs or anywhere else . Looking forward to hearing from you, Trudi.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on March 11th, 2018
I wish I had a simple answer for you, but the answer depends on the cause of the weakness. If the muscle weakness is due to Cushing's disease, then the treatment should improve the muscle weakness if the disease is improving.
You didn't mention what type of medicine the holistic vet is using, but I would consider adding acupuncture and/or Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine which often works well for both Cushing's disease and generalized weakness. I don't know if there is anyone near you that practices acupuncture, but you may be able to find someone here.
http://www.tcvm.com/Resources/InternationalPractitioners.aspx
Another thing to consider would be to find a rehabilitation therapist to create an exercise plan to strengthen Ashley's legs. You may be able to find someone near you here.
http://www.caninerehabinstitute.com/find_a_therapist.html
Good luck! I hope that was helpful and gives you some ideas. Thanks for using PetCoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on August 15th, 2018
Hi and thanks for posting!
Cushing's disease can have an negative impact on bone health causing the bone and associated joint to become brittle and weak. Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease can be contributing the lameness as well as can disc disease or other neurological conditions can be causes.
I would recommend Ashley see her veterinarian for this new issue with her front and rear legs. Your veterinarian will perform a few tests during her physical exam to determine if she is arthritic or has an underlying neurological issue. Your veterinarian may also take an x-ray to look at bone density or rule out other causes. Determining the cause of her limb weakness will help create the most appropriate treatment plan going forward.
You can try using joint supplements such omega 3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chrondroitin can help maintain cartilage and joint health. I would recommend either the Cosequin or Dasequin products. Acupuncture, massage therapy, and cold laser therapy can also be other holistic ways of helping to maintain her mobility.
I hope this helps and thanks again for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!1Pet Parents found this answer helpful