Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (also known as Cushing’s disease or PPID) is a disease that usually affects older horses and ponies . It most commonly affects animals are over the age of 14 years old, although younger animals can be affected.
It is a disease when part of the brain called the pituitary gland produces excessive amounts of certain hormones. These hormones can cause a variety of different symptoms in different horses.
Common clinical symptoms of PPIP or Cushings include:
*Long curly coat and delayed shedding of winter coat
*Laminitis
*Fat pads above the eyes
* Increased sweating
* Increased thirst and urination
* Susceptibility to infections
* Lethargy
* Weight loss
PPID is usually diagnosed based on a combination of clinical signs and a blood test measuring the hormone ACTH. In some cases the blood test produces a clear positive or negative result. In other cases the blood test result is less clear cut. In these cases the symptoms shown by the horse may help the vet interpret the blood test result. Alternatively, in some cases a further test known as a TRH stimulation test can help to distinguish between positive and negative results.
PPID is a progressive disease, with clinical signs tending to get worse with age and unfortunately, it cannot be cured. However, the clinical symptoms of PPID can be treated with a daily tablet called Pergolide and treatment, once started, is usually lifelong. During treatment cases are monitored (by their symptoms and/or blood tests) and adjustments to the dosage of medications may be neccessary from time to time.
Treatment of PPID can benefit many cases, although at first, some side effects such as anorexia have occasionally been reported. There are however, protocols in place if these do occur, so please speak to one of the vets at BELL EQUINE on 01622 813700, if you are concerned. Medical treatment of PPID is not always necessary, although management changes can also help, and we can advise you on what is best in each individual case.
'Care About Cushings' blood test scheme:
Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) also known as ‘Equine Cushing’s Disease’ is diagnosed by a combination of the horse’s symptoms and a blood test. The most commonly used blood test measures blood levels of the hormone ACTH with the horse ‘at rest’ under their usual management. Sometimes vets will use a different test, the TRH stimulation test for specific cases.
Although these blood tests are useful, they are not perfect and can give misleading results. They must be interpreted together with the horse’s symptoms and the rest of the vet’s examination.
For horses that are suspected of having PPID and those already on treatment there is a scheme to cover the laboratory costs of the blood tests. Please note that this does not cover the costs of vet visits, examination or blood sampling. The scheme is operated by a pharmaceutical company, Bohringer Ingelheim. Further information about PPID, including details of the scheme and associated terms and conditions are available at on the Care About Cushings website.
If you wish to discuss testing for PPID for either diagnosis of the condition or monitoring cases that are on treatment, please discuss with one of our vets. In most cases we are able to generate the voucher that entitles you to a free test as long as this is done before the test is run.