Horse Cushings Disease: Welfare and Management

How pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) affects older horses and what effective management looks like for this common geriatric condition.

Key Facts

PPID (Cushings disease) affects an estimated 15-30% of horses over 15 years old
The condition causes coat changes, muscle wasting, increased water intake, and increased laminitis risk
Pergolide medication significantly reduces clinical signs and laminitis episodes when correctly dosed
PPID horses have impaired immune function and are more susceptible to infections, parasites, and dental disease
Early diagnosis and treatment produces significantly better welfare outcomes than late or absent treatment

Welfare Considerations

PPID is one of the most common health conditions in senior horses and one of the most treatable when identified early. The welfare burden of unmanaged PPID is significant: the compromised immune function leads to chronic infections, poor coat condition causes thermoregulatory problems, and the dramatically increased laminitis risk — PPID is now recognised as the most common cause of laminitis — causes recurrent bouts of severe pain. Regular veterinary monitoring of senior horses including PPID testing allows early treatment that substantially improves quality of life. The medication (pergolide) is generally well tolerated and effective, making PPID one of the more manageable serious conditions of equine old age.

What You Can Do

Test horses over 15 years for PPID annually, or at any age if classic signs appear
Begin pergolide treatment promptly if PPID is diagnosed — earlier treatment produces better outcomes
Manage diet carefully in PPID-positive horses, particularly avoiding high-carbohydrate feeds
Monitor laminitis risk carefully in PPID horses and seek veterinary attention at the first signs
Provide additional dental care and parasite management for PPID horses with compromised immune function