Observing the topline for muscle loss.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nAfter that, the vet could recommend a blood test based on the symptoms. Blood tests are good since they will always rule in or out whether there is Cushing’s disease. Some factors will always determine whether the vet will do a blood test or not. It could be the stages of the disease or the time of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, the Equine Endocrinology Group (EEG updates recommendations for tests regularly. This is according to the latest research. In addition, they publish flow charts that vets use for diagnostic purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treating Equine Cushing’s Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Based on the EEG’s flow chart, horses with signs of PPID or a history of PPID are given Pergolide for horses. Pergolide does not cure Cushing’s horses but improves the quality of life. It prevents the disease from progressing and gets rid of some symptoms. To avoid risks like Laminitis, recurring infections, amongst others, start treatment at an early stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After administering the Pergolide, you can expect to see improvements after one month. However, it may even take two to three months. A veterinarian will be monitoring the progress and advise when to take more blood tests or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In case of any side effects, let your vet know. Lack of appetite is the most common side effect of pergolide. The vet will know what to do to get the horse back to eat again as normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Living, Management and Preventative Care of PPID In Horses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To manage equine Cushing’s disease, you need to seek medication. If you work closely with an equine veterinarian in all areas of a horse’s life, then your horse will be in good hands. The vet should know about the horse’s feeding program and also how it exercises. This is important, especially if your horse has insulin dysregulation or Laminitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preventive Care<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If a vet professional has diagnosed your horse with PPID, you should give it special attention in areas like wellness. Horses suffering from Cushing’s require a lot of additional maintenance. For instance, controlling parasites, vaccinations, dental care, and hoof care in senior horses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Senior horses are prone to infections, parasitism, tooth and gum disease. The infections may get worse when the horse has PPID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Horse owners also need to observe a horse with Cushing’s and get ready to increase care in different seasons. For instance, in summer, horses with shaggy hair coats that are long need clipping to remove unshed winter hair. On the other hand, moving air helps with cooling. So, you can provide fans to your horses even though they also cool themselves naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sweating helps horses to cool themselves. So, supplement the horse with salts and electrolytes that may get lost during sweating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the cold weather, provide your Cushing’s horse with blankets or warm bedding. Also, provide more calories in the form of hay. The calories are a good source of energy that produces the warmth necessary in cold and windy weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Equines with Cushing’s may experience behavioral changes. For instance, they may not be active in a herd and hence not access water and food. Therefore, you will need to adjust your horse’s life accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"horse](\"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/horse-with-blanket.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhy was the Name Changed from Cushing’s Disease to PPID?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Previously, equine Cushing’s was a name similar to pituitary conditions in dogs and people. Both are called Cushing’s syndrome. Today, experts call the Cushing’s syndrome in horses “pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction” (PPID). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In equines, the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland is affected. This is unlike in humans and dogs where the anterior lobe faults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommended Dietary and Supplemental Support of PPID in Equines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Horses suffering from Cushing’s diet vary. Some horses may have PPID with insulin abnormality while others without insulin abnormality. Both have different diets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Horses with PPID Only<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Some horses test positive for PPID but no abnormality in insulin (EMS). You can expect much change in such a case if the diet is high in forage. All these will depend on the weight, health condition, and age of the horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seek counsel from a vet in cases where a Cushing’s horse is overweight or underweight. A well-versed nutritionist will be of great help to identify the best diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Horses with PPID and EMS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Some horses test positive for Cushing’s disease and, at the same time, have irregular insulin levels. It could be insulin resistance(IR) or hyperinsulinemia (Hi). In this case, the diet needs to be adjusted. For overweight horses that suffer from Cushing’s and EMS, the Equine Endocrinology Group (EEG) advises the following to reduce fat:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Reduce the number of calories. Alternatively, give a multi-vitamin instead of grains.<\/li>
- Feed the animals with hay that is 12% NSC or non-structural carbohydrates like starches and sugars.<\/li>
- Don’t allow the horse to feed on any grass.<\/li>
- Find out whether you can give low NSC treats during the weight-loss period.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
After finding out that the blood work is improving with no signs of Laminitis and the bloodwork improves, a little pasture and an NSC treat may be acceptable. To limit grazing, use a muzzle, set a track system, or strip grazing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Administering oral medicine to horses with Cushing’s can be very difficult. To make it an easy task, find a treat that the horse likes. Then, hide the pills in the treat, and the horse will swallow without knowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to supplements, follow the guidance of a vet. For example, give electrolytes to PPID horses that sweat a lot. Give multi-vitamin instead of fortified grain. To rebuild topline muscles, provide amino acids (protein). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids to bridge the gap between dried forage and fresh grass. Other essential supplements are antioxidants that help to combat oxidative stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cushing's](\"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Cushings-Disease-in-Horses.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nMy Horse Has Cushing’s Disease. Can I Ride Him?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The answer is Yes, you can. However, it depends on various factors. EEG recommends exercises for horses with PPID and EMS. As long as the feet are stable, you can ride your horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are specific guidelines that the EEG issues concerning the intensity of exercise. However, Most experts believe that walk, canter, and trot (ridden and unridden) help reduce weight. They also help to improve the sensitivity of insulin in horses that have IR and HI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, once you notice changes in your horse, visit a vet for the proper diagnosis. Pergolide may not be the exact cure, but it will help prolong the life of your horse. Also, appropriate nutrition and exercise may help improve the quality of life of a horse suffering from Cushing’s.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What is Cushing’s Disease Cushing’s disease in horses is very common. It usually forms in the pituitary gland located below … <\/p>\n
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