Companion Animals

Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in Horses: Welfare and Pergolide Treatment

Managing equine Cushing's disease with evidence-based treatment to restore welfare.

Key Facts

PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction) is extremely common in horses over 15 years
Causes hypertrichosis, laminitis, muscle wasting, and immunosuppression
Pergolide treatment is highly effective — most horses show improvement within weeks
Diagnosis uses clinical signs plus ACTH measurement — seasonal variation must be considered

Welfare Considerations

PPID causes progressive welfare decline through laminitis risk, muscle wasting, immune suppression, and the discomfort of heavy coat retention in summer. Welfare-focused management initiates pergolide treatment early — before advanced clinical signs develop — and monitors ACTH annually adjusting dose as needed. Dental care, parasite control, and vaccination are particularly important in PPID horses due to immune suppression.

What You Can Do

Screen horses over 15 years annually for PPID using clinical assessment and ACTH measurement
Start pergolide treatment promptly when PPID is diagnosed — quality of life improvement is rapid
Maintain dental care, parasite control, and vaccination as welfare priorities in PPID-affected horses