Companion Horses and Cushings Disease Management

Equine Cushings Disease (PPID) affects over 20% of horses over 15 years old, causing progressive hormonal disruption and welfare consequences that are significantly manageable with early diagnosis and treatment.

Key Facts

PPID affects the pituitary gland, causing elevated ACTH and cortisol dysregulation
Classic signs include a long curly coat, muscle wasting, increased water intake, and laminitis risk
Oral pergolide treatment effectively controls PPID signs in most horses
Untreated PPID increases laminitis risk — a severely painful and potentially fatal hoof condition
Annual testing from age 15 allows early intervention before complications develop

Welfare Considerations

Horses with uncontrolled PPID experience progressive deterioration — the abnormal coat makes thermoregulation difficult, muscle wasting reduces mobility and core strength, and laminitis risk creates a potentially severe welfare crisis. The failure to diagnose PPID as a treatable condition — rather than accepting symptoms as normal aging — means many horses suffer preventable discomfort for months or years. Early diagnosis and pergolide treatment can restore near-normal quality of life, making PPID management one of the most impactful welfare interventions in equine geriatric care.

What You Can Do

Request annual ACTH testing for horses over 15 as part of routine wellness care
Learn the signs of PPID: long curly coat, muscle wasting, pot belly, excessive sweating
Begin treatment promptly if PPID is diagnosed — do not delay for disease progression
Monitor laminitis risk carefully in PPID-positive horses with regular hoof assessment
Discuss management adjustments including diet and work load with your veterinarian