Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (equine Cushings disease) is extremely common in older horses and, when managed appropriately, allows affected animals to maintain good quality of life for years.
PPID-affected horses that receive appropriate treatment can maintain good quality of life for many years. The welfare imperative is early diagnosis and prompt treatment initiation, as undiagnosed PPID causes progressive immune suppression, chronic discomfort from hypertrichosis, and ultimately severe laminitis. The welfare trajectory of a PPID-affected horse depends almost entirely on the quality of monitoring and treatment provided by their caregiver. Horses managed proactively with regular ACTH testing, appropriate medication adjustment, and dietary management can remain comfortable and functional well into their twenties and thirties.