Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (Cushings disease) is the most common endocrine disorder in older horses and requires lifelong management to maintain quality of life.
Cushings disease welfare management in horses is one of the most significant opportunities for improving senior horse quality of life, as the condition is both common and highly treatable when detected early. The welfare consequences of undiagnosed or untreated PPID accumulate over time through muscle wasting, immune compromise, dental disease and laminitis. Early detection through proactive ACTH testing before clinical signs appear enables treatment to begin before significant welfare deterioration occurs. Long coat failure to shed (hypertrichosis) causes thermal stress in summer and is often the first visible sign that prompts investigation. Effective management with appropriate pergolide dosing, dental care, dietary management and laminitis prevention can maintain excellent quality of life for many years after diagnosis.