Cushing’s disease
Equine Cushing’s disease, or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), is often confused with the normal ageing process in horses, but it is caused by the abnormal enlargement of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. This gland controls the nervous system, which produces the chemical messengers (hormones) that affect other parts of the body. In this disease, an excess of these hormones are produced, confusing the rest of the body, particularly the adrenal glands.
Signs of equine Cushing’s disease include:
- Excessive thirst (or polydipsia)
- Excessive urination (or polyuria)
- Weight loss and muscle wastage, with loss of topline in particular
- Sway backed or pot-bellied appearance
- Abnormally long, ‘curly’ coat
- Persistent sweating
- Extra fat accumulating around the eyes (giving a ‘pop-eyed’ appearance)
- Increased appetite without any obvious weight gain
- Laminitis
- Persistent infections, often involving the skin, feet or respiratory system
- Lethargy and dullness
- Production of milk in mares who have not had a foal
- Infertility
The signs suggest that it would be easy to recognise Cushing’s disease, but because these changes come on gradually owners often assume their horse is just growing older rather than developing an illness.
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‘Let your horse talk to you’: top teamwork gives 28-year-old horse second chance of an active life
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Horses over 25 years may have chronic laminitis without outward signs, study finds
Owners and vets need to be aware of the increased probability of sub-clinical laminitis in older animals, even in the absence of a PPID diagnosis
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Equine Cushing’s disease aka Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID in horses)
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Three horses put down after owner ignored laminitis advice
The owner failed to address the health concerns of three mares found to be ‘severely lame’
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Rider who lost horse to Cushing’s diagnosed with the same condition
‘Horsey people think I must have a long curly coat and am a bit sweaty’
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Limited time left to claim free Cushing’s lab test
The voucher is available to owners to help support their vet with the diagnosis
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How do I feed my pony with Cushing’s disease? Spillers explains... *Promotion*
Spillers' equine nutritionist Clare Barfoot provides one H&H forum user with some helpful advice on how to add topline onto a horse who is a good-doer
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What's new in the veterinary world? *H&H VIP*
Peter Green MRCVS presents the latest scientific research — from how hair patterns can reveal a horse’s personality to who’s boss of the herd
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Free lab fees for Cushing's tests are back! [Promotion]
Find out how you can save the lab fees when getting your horse tested for Cushing's disease
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12 ways to manage the diet of a horse with Cushing’s disease
There is no cure for Cushing’s but with careful management, appropriate nutrition and veterinary treatment, horses can have comfortable active lives for several years with the condition
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Drug to control Cushing's disease banned under competition rules
Horses that are prescribed the drug pergolide to manage equine Cushing's disease are now banned from competing in all disciplines that have signed up to British anti-doping rules
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Talk About Cushings campaign launched — £15 off blood tests
Owners concerned that their horse has Cushings can get £15 off a blood test thanks to the newly launched "Talk About Cushings" campaign
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Horses with Cushing’s disease need more regular worming, research finds
Why horses with Cushing's disease may need more aggressive worm control measures
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New hope for horses with Cushing's syndrome
Herbal treatment proves promising in US trial
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Coping with Cushing's disease: a case study
Find out how treatment usually used for humans put this Cushing's disease sufferer back on his feet
