Equine Cushings Disease (PPID): Welfare and Long-Term Management

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is common in older horses and causes significant welfare suffering from hormonal dysregulation if undiagnosed and untreated.

Key Facts

PPID affects around 20% of horses over age 15
Classic signs include failure to shed a long curly coat in summer
The condition causes laminitis, muscle wasting, and increased infection susceptibility
Pergolide medication provides excellent control and improves welfare outcomes dramatically
Diagnosis uses seasonal ACTH testing and clinical assessment

Welfare Considerations

Horses with undiagnosed or untreated PPID experience chronic welfare suffering from hormonal dysregulation. The characteristic failure to shed the winter coat (hypertrichosis) causes heat stress in summer. Laminitis associated with PPID causes chronic foot pain. Muscle wasting from cortisol dysregulation causes weakness. Increased infection susceptibility leads to recurrent dental, respiratory, and wound infections. Pergolide treatment normalises cortisol levels and provides dramatic welfare improvement for most horses. Annual ACTH testing in horses over 15 enables early diagnosis before welfare deterioration becomes severe.

What You Can Do

Test horses over 15 for PPID annually using ACTH testing
Clip affected horses in summer if unable to shed their coat naturally
Follow pergolide treatment protocols consistently and monitor response
Manage laminitis risk in PPID horses through diet and exercise
Join equine PPID and laminitis support communities for owner guidance