What is Equine Cushings Disease?
More correctly termed Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction or "PPID, Equine Cushings Disease is one of the most common problems affecting the endocrine (hormonal) system of horses and ponies, and an improtant underlying cause of laminitis in a range of horses and ponies.
What causes PPID?
Two areas of the equine brain, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, are responsible for producing chemical messengers (hormones) to maintain and control bodily functions around the body.
In some horses and ponies, nerves in the hypothalamus degenerate and do not produce enough of a nerve transmitter substance called dopamine. Dopamine is important in controlling the secretions of hormones including ACTH and cortisol, and a lack of Dopamine results in abnormally high levels of these hormones, leading to the symptoms of PPID.
What are the symptoms of PPID?
The clinical signs of PPID results from excess ACTH and cortisol circulating in the blood stream, and may include the following:-
- Laminitis
- Changes in coat quality, thickness and shedding
- Abnormal fat distribution, including fat bulging over the eyes and a pot belly
- Excessive sweating
- Increased appetite
- Increased drinking and urination
- Lethargy / poor performance
- Recurring infections (eg: sinusitis)
- Loss of muscle tone
How is PPID diagnosed?
If you or your vet are suspicious that your horse or pony may be suffering from PPID, based on their clinical signs, a blood test is ususally taken to confirm the diagnosis. Although a range of blood tests are available to assist the diagnosis and monitoring of PPID, the most commonly used test is the Resting ACTH test. A single blood sample is taken to measure the level of the hormone ACTH. Until October, as part of the 'Talk About Laminitis' initiative supported by Boehringer Ingelheim, the laboratory fees for the resting ACTH test are free of charge.
Please contact the surgery if you think your horse may be suffering from PPID and may benefit from this test - 01363 772860.
How is PPID treated and managed?
There is currently only on treatment that is licensed for use in the treatment of Equine PPID. If your horse required treatment, the vet will discuss appropriate medication with you based on blood test results.
As many horses and ponies with PPID are over 15 they may have other conditions associated with middle age in addition to the symptoms of PPID. It is therefore importatnt that a good programme of preventative health care is on place, to include
- Routine vaccination
- Regular working
- Regular and appropriate foot trimming/shoeing
- High quality balanced diet
For more information about PPID, please visit www.talkaboutlaminitis.co.uk (provided by Boehringer Ingelheim) or contact our equine vets at the surgery - 01363 772860.