Horse Cushing's Disease Management

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), commonly called Cushing's disease, affects many older horses and requires lifelong management.

Key Facts

PPID affects approximately 20-25% of horses over 15 years of age
It results from dysfunction of the pituitary gland causing excess cortisol production
Classic signs include a long curly coat that fails to shed, muscle wasting, and pot belly
Laminitis is a major and serious complication of PPID
Diagnosis uses the ACTH blood test - seasonal adjustment values are essential for accuracy
Pergolide mesylate is the primary treatment - a daily oral medication
Treatment dramatically reduces laminitis risk and improves comfort and quality of life
Horses can live many comfortable years with well-managed PPID

Welfare Considerations

PPID causes progressive suffering through muscle wasting, immune suppression leading to recurrent infections, abnormal sweating, and most dangerously, laminitis. Horses with undiagnosed or untreated PPID experience the pain of laminitis episodes that can be severe and recurring. The long coat characteristic of PPID causes significant thermal discomfort - affected horses cannot regulate temperature normally. Regular clipping provides immediate welfare benefit. Early diagnosis and treatment with pergolide dramatically improves welfare outcomes and can prevent laminitis episodes entirely in well-managed cases.

What You Can Do

Monitor senior horses for signs of PPID including coat changes and muscle loss
Test horses with suspected PPID using the ACTH blood test at appropriate seasonal values
Begin pergolide treatment promptly after diagnosis
Clip excessively long coats to improve thermal comfort
Monitor laminitis risk carefully and implement dietary management alongside medical treatment