Equine Cushing Disease: Advanced Welfare Management in Older Horses

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), commonly called equine Cushing disease, is highly prevalent in horses over 15 years and causes wide-ranging welfare impacts if unmanaged.

Key Facts

PPID affects an estimated 20-30% of horses over 15 years of age
Clinical signs include hypertrichosis (long curly coat), muscle wasting, and laminitis
Pergolide mesylate is an effective medical treatment that manages clinical signs
Untreated PPID leads to severe laminitis, immune suppression, and debilitation
Regular ACTH testing enables early diagnosis and treatment before severe signs develop

Welfare Considerations

PPID causes chronic and progressive welfare impacts in affected horses, with laminitis being the most serious complication and a common cause of euthanasia. The characteristic failure to shed the winter coat causes heat stress and skin disease. Immune suppression leads to recurrent infections, slow wound healing, and parasite burden. Early diagnosis through autumn ACTH testing and prompt initiation of pergolide therapy prevents the most severe welfare outcomes and allows affected horses to maintain good quality of life for many years.

What You Can Do

Test horses over 15 years for PPID annually using autumn ACTH sampling
Begin pergolide therapy promptly if PPID is confirmed and monitor dose effectiveness
Clip hypertrichotic horses in warm weather to prevent heat stress
Work with a farrier and vet to manage laminitis risk in PPID-affected horses
Adjust diet and dental care to account for muscle wasting and reduced chewing efficiency