Cushings Protocol Alternative

No, Cushing’s Free Naturally does not treat or cure Cushing’s disease in horses but is a natural cushing’s supplement that may offer support for Cushing’s horses. The drug Pergolide known also by the brand name Prascend is the prescribed drug treatment for cushing’s disease in horses. Prascend Pergolide is the most commonly prescribed treatment.

While Cushing’s Free Naturally is a natural cushing’s supplement for horses we do not claim that it treats, cures, or will lower ACTH levels. If your horse is currently on another treatment, consulting with your veterinarian is recommended prior to using this product. Many horses do extremely well on Prascend, and if a horse is tolerating it and responding positively, there is no need to change what’s working.

It may be possible to manage Equine Cushing’s Disease with the correct dietary and lifestyle changes. Feeding low sugar, low starch feed and hay along with an herbal supplement for pituitary support daily may be beneficial. Cushing’s horses require limited access to grass to avoid founder and using slow feeders for hay is recommended. Adding regular movement and exercise and natural hoof care can be beneficial for your Cushing’s horse.

Prascend is the the brand name for the drug Pergolide

We do not claim that Cushings Free Naturally will lower ACTH levels. Read more information on ACTH testing here: Does a high ACTH result mean my horse has PPID?

Cushing’s Free Naturally may offer natural support for the Cushing’s horse. We do not recommend mixing the herbal supplements with medications like Pergolide and Prascend unless advised to do so by your Vet.

Transitioning your horse from Prascend (pergolide) to a natural supplement like Cushings Free should be done gradually and with veterinary guidance to minimize the risk of a return or worsening of symptoms. Here’s a general approach for weaning off Prascend and introducing Cushings Free Naturally:

1. **Consult with Your Veterinarian**: Pergolide affects the endocrine system, so any change should be done under a vet’s supervision. They may recommend blood tests, such as ACTH levels, to track your horse’s hormonal balance and response during the transition.

2. Gradually Reduce Prascend: Begin reducing the Prascend dosage every 3-5 days, in small increments. Depending on your horse’s response, this tapering could take several weeks. Watch closely for any changes in energy levels, coat condition, weight, and behavior, as these may indicate how well your horse is adapting.

3. Introduce Cushings Free only after discontinuing Prascend: Once your horse is off Prascend/Pergolide and any other medications, start a 30-day liver cleanse with Liver Cleanse Naturally and a 30-day kidney cleanse with Kidney Cleanse Naturally.

Week 1 (Days 1–7)
Kidney Cleanse Naturally — give per label amount by weight daily.
For sensitive horses, start at ½ amount for 3–5 days, then move to full.
For best results split daily amounts AM/PM for a gentler introduction.

Week 2 (Days 8–14)
Continue Kidney Cleanse Naturally (full amount).
Add Liver Cleanse Naturally — give per label amount by weight daily.

For sensitive horses, start at ½ amount for 3–5 days, then move to full.
For best results split daily amounts AM/PM for a gentler introduction.

Use both cleanses alongside Cushings Free Naturally for 30 days each. Proper liver and kidney function are essential to achieving the best results with herbal blends, as a healthy liver and kidneys are crucial for overall health. After both cleanses are completed- continue Cushing’s Free Naturally daily, year round.

4. **Monitor Health Closely**: Regularly monitor your horse’s physical condition, energy levels, and symptoms throughout the transition, especially if your horse has been prone to laminitis or other metabolic issues.

5. **Adjust Dosages as Needed**: Depending on how your horse responds, you may find that additional supplements are needed to keep symptoms in check. The Cushings Free Naturally should provide support over time, but adjustments might be necessary.

6. **Supportive Care**: During the transition, also consider liver, kidney, and adrenal support, as these organs work hard to process and regulate hormonal changes.

Be patient and let your horse’s response guide the transition pace. Regular vet checks and careful observation will help ensure a smooth changeover to Cushings Free Naturally.

It’s always wise to consult your vet before making any changes, as they may have additional recommendations.

Cushings Free Naturally Dosage Recommendation: 1 scoop= 1 serving
Ponies, minis and small horses– 1 scoop/serving daily.
Horses up to 1000lbs– 2 scoops/servings daily
Horses over 1000 lbs up to 1250 lbs– 3 scoops/servings daily.
Over 1250 lbs– 4 scoops /servings daily

Not all horses with Cushings Disease are IR but many are. Studies show about 80% of all PPID horses are also metabolic with insulin resistance. If your horse is also insulant resistant add Sugar Balance Naturally which is specifically formulated to supppport normal Insulin Response in horses and can be used along with Cushings Free Naturally for horses who have both.

For pain management use Equine Comfort Bundle | Pain Support for Horses. Designed to support healthy pain response and enhance overall vitality, this bundle includes two powerful, all-natural products: Circu Flow Naturally and Herbal Bute Naturally.

Adrenal Support Naturally is also a great addition for horses with Cushings (PPID), Laminitis/Founder, Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), EPM, under stress from training, trailering, showing, competing, or vaccinations, or long term drug use.

Adding an adrenal support supplement could be beneficial during times of high stress or transitional periods, such as the switch from Prascend to Cushings Free Naturally. Horses with Cushing’s often experience increased stress on their adrenal glands, so adrenal support may help support balance and ease the transition.

You could consider using adrenal support just for the transition period, which may be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on how your horse responds. After the transition, you may decide to taper it off, as Cushings Free Naturally may effectively support endocrine health. However, always consult with a veterinarian experienced in equine metabolic health to determine the best course and duration of use for any supplement changes.

Here are some indicators that your horse might benefit from adrenal support:

Signs of Adrenal Fatigue: These can include lethargy, weight loss, reduced stamina, muscle weakness, and inability to handle stress.

Inconsistent Energy Levels: If your horse is fluctuating between low energy and stress or high reactivity, adrenal support might help stabilize energy.

Coat and Hoof Health: Dull coats or poor hoof quality can sometimes suggest endocrine or metabolic imbalances that adrenal support may help address.

Sensitivity to Stress: If your horse has difficulty handling environmental or seasonal changes, an adrenal support supplement could help with adaptation.

Adrenal Support Naturally helps to support balanced adrenal and pituitary activity promoting a healthy stress response and adrenal gland function. If your horse has laminitis or founder add Circu Flow Naturally.  It may help horses with inflammatory problems by promoting normal blood flow and encouraging normal pain response. It may also encourage circulation to tissues and support for healing. For extra support use in combination with Herbal Bute Naturally.

There is no known “Cure” for Cushing’s Disease in horses. With Cushing’s Free Naturally it may be possible to encourage balance and support for symptoms like long shaggy coat and delayed shedding after winter, low energy, laminitis/founder, increased sweating, muscle and weight loss, and excessive drinking and urinating. Support that may be beneficial in your horse’s return to a more normal and happy life.