Companion Animals

Horse Endocrine Disease EMS PPID Management

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID/Cushing's) are common endocrine disorders that significantly affect horse welfare.

Key Facts

EMS affects horses with insulin dysregulation, typically overweight animals on lush pasture
PPID (Cushing's disease) affects approximately 20% of horses over 15 years
Both conditions predispose to laminitis, causing severe hoof pain
PPID is treated with pergolide; EMS managed through diet and exercise
Early identification before laminitis develops significantly improves welfare outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Laminitis from uncontrolled EMS or PPID causes severe, often debilitating pain. Many horses are not diagnosed until they present with laminitis. Screening at-risk horses through blood testing, managing weight and diet proactively, and treating PPID early prevents much of the welfare harm associated with these conditions.

What You Can Do

Screen overweight horses and ponies for EMS with veterinary blood testing
Request ACTH testing for horses over 15 showing clinical signs of PPID
Restrict lush pasture access for horses at risk of laminitis