Horse Cushing's Disease (PPID): Welfare Across a Chronic Condition

Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction affects a large proportion of older horses and ponies, with effective treatment now available to dramatically improve welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

PPID (Cushing's disease) affects approximately 20-25% of horses and ponies over 15 years of age
The condition causes abnormal hair coat, laminitis susceptibility, muscle wasting, increased infection risk, and altered behavior
Pergolide mesylate is an effective treatment that controls PPID progression and dramatically improves clinical signs when started appropriately
Horses with PPID have elevated ACTH levels detectable on blood testing, allowing diagnosis before severe clinical signs develop
Many older horses live comfortably for years after PPID diagnosis with appropriate management and medication

Welfare Considerations

PPID causes progressive welfare compromise in older horses through uncomfortable hair coat changes, laminitis pain, secondary infections from immune dysfunction, and behavioral changes. Early diagnosis through blood testing before severe signs develop allows treatment to prevent many welfare harms rather than managing established suffering. Many horse owners are unaware of PPID prevalence in older horses or underestimate the benefit of treatment. Veterinary education programs targeting equine owners significantly improve diagnosis rates and treatment uptake for this eminently manageable condition.

What You Can Do

Test horses and ponies over 15 years with ACTH blood screening to detect PPID before severe signs develop
Recognize early PPID signs including delayed coat shedding, increased drinking, and muscle loss over the topline
Implement pergolide treatment promptly upon diagnosis to slow progression and prevent laminitis
Adjust management including dental care and diet as PPID progresses to maintain quality of life