Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Welfare: PPID (Equine Cushings Disease)

Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), commonly called equine Cushings, is extremely common in older horses and ponies and causes significant welfare harm if undiagnosed.

Key Facts

PPID affects up to 30% of horses over 15 years of age
It is caused by pars intermedia pituitary tumour leading to elevated ACTH and cortisol
Signs include hypertrichosis (failure to shed coat), laminitis, muscle wasting and increased drinking
PPID significantly predisposes to laminitis, one of the most painful equine conditions
Pergolide medication effectively controls PPID and significantly improves quality of life

Welfare Considerations

Undiagnosed PPID causes progressive welfare deterioration through laminitis, muscle weakness, immunosuppression and thermoregulatory problems. The distinctive coat changes (long, curly, failing-to-shed coat) are often visible years before owners seek a diagnosis. Annual ACTH testing in horses over 15 enables early diagnosis and treatment before secondary complications develop. Pergolide treatment is highly effective and relatively affordable.

What You Can Do

Have horses over 15 years tested annually for PPID through ACTH measurement
Learn to recognise the early coat changes and other signs of PPID
Begin pergolide treatment promptly on diagnosis to prevent laminitis episodes
Work with your vet to monitor treatment efficacy through annual testing