PPID in Horses: Managing Equine Cushing's Disease

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, commonly called equine Cushing's disease, is common in older horses and ponies. Proper diagnosis and treatment with pergolide significantly improves welfare and quality of life.

Key Facts

PPID affects approximately 20 to 25% of horses and ponies over 15 years of age
The condition results from dysfunction of the pituitary pars intermedia causing excess ACTH production
Classic signs include a curly, long coat that fails to shed, muscle wasting, pot belly, and excessive drinking
PPID is the most significant risk factor for laminitis in horses and ponies
Pergolide mesylate is a highly effective dopamine agonist treatment that controls PPID in most cases
Annual ACTH testing during late summer identifies horses with seasonal PPID rise requiring treatment adjustment
With appropriate management including diet, exercise, and medication, PPID horses can maintain good quality of life for years

Welfare Considerations

Unmanaged PPID causes progressive muscle wasting, immune suppression making horses susceptible to infections and parasites, and dramatically increased laminitis risk — one of the most painful conditions in equine medicine. The abnormal coat that fails to shed causes heat stress in summer and harbours skin conditions. Early diagnosis through blood testing and prompt treatment with pergolide prevents many of these complications. Annual monitoring and dose adjustment during the seasonal ACTH rise in autumn prevents laminitis episodes that cause severe suffering.

What You Can Do

Test horses and ponies over 15 for PPID annually, especially those with abnormal coat or weight changes
Start pergolide treatment promptly if PPID is confirmed — do not wait for complications
Manage diet carefully in PPID horses, removing access to high-sugar grass that triggers laminitis
Clip PPID horses that retain their coat in warm weather to prevent heat stress
Maintain regular farriery and foot care monitoring for early signs of laminitis