Cushing’s Disease: clinical signs and free lab fees

Cushing’s Disease, or PPID, is a well-known disease in the horse world, with 20% of horses over the age of 15 years affected.

Most people think of elderly ponies with curly coats, however, PPID can occur in middle-aged horses and is the underlying cause to several clinical conditions. Horses with PPID have a lack of the hormone dopamine and so the onward hormone effects of this can be seen in many ways. The horse can produce more cortisol, leading to muscle wastage, recurrent foot abscesses or an infection e.g., mud fever or a wound which will not clear up. The horse also can produce morphine-like substances so are a bit quieter than they used to be – often deemed due to ‘old age,’ but PPID may be the underlying cause. The most concerning risk for equines with PPID is laminitis, which is due to metabolic issues caused by PPID.

Testing your horse involves a blood sample which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The initiative, ‘Care about Cushings’ (www.careaboutcushings.co.uk), has lots of information and can provide an online voucher code to cover the costs of laboratory fees.

PPID is a slowly progressive condition, so annual testing is encouraged to ensure your horse is on the correct dose of treatment.  Please note that although the cost of testing is free of charge, the usual sampling and visit fees apply.

Treatment for PPID is pergolide; Prascend or equivalent, which is like artificial dopamine, to replace what the horse or pony lacks. The tablets are usually given in feed or in a small treat to ensure the horse or pony has taken it.  Please contact us at the practice to discuss testing your horse or pony for PPID prior to the added risk of spring grass.

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