Equine Cushing’s Disease
Equine Cushing’s Disease
Equine Cushing’s Disease, also called pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), affects many senior horses and ponies. It results from hormonal changes in the pituitary gland that elevate ACTH and cortisol, increasing risks like laminitis and recurrent infections. Here, you can compare brands, dosage forms, and strengths used in PPID care. Options span prescription medications, metabolic support supplements, and basic stable supplies for long-term monitoring. Availability can change by supplier and season, and listings may update without notice. Early in your browse, note that some items are offered with US shipping from Canada to support cross-border access.
What’s in This Category
This category brings together core therapies and practical aids for horses with PPID. You will find prescription options like pergolide, plus adjunct nutrition such as low starch feeds, omega-3 sources, and mineral balancers. Many owners also seek grooming and hoof supplies that help manage long coats, fragile soles, and seasonal transitions. Devices for routine checks, like thermometers and scales, can support stable records alongside veterinary assessments.
Prescription choices focus on daily control of pituitary-driven hormone output, while supportive products address body condition, muscle tone, and hoof quality. Some items are designed for sensitive feeders and sugar-conscious diets. Others target coat shedding, skin hygiene, and hydration. Where indicated, veterinarians may prioritize equine Cushing’s medication as the foundation, and then layer feed adjustments and farrier schedules. Not every barn needs the same mix; age, workload, and pasture access shape selection.
How to Choose
Start with your veterinarian’s PPID diagnosis and treatment plan. Confirm baseline ACTH testing and recheck timing, then match the prescribed active ingredient, strength, and tablet count. If your horse struggles with palatability, look for tablet sizes that split cleanly or accept compounding guidance from your vet when appropriate. For nutritional support, select low non-structural carbohydrate feeds and forage balancers that fit the overall ration.
Check storage instructions for temperature and moisture sensitivity, especially in summer. Keep a simple chart for dose time, feed offered, body condition, and hoof notes. If your case needs dose refinement, ask about Prascend dosage for horses and how to time reassessments. For stable supplies, choose hoof picks, rasps, and brushes that match coat thickness and hoof condition. Electrolytes and plain-salt options can help during heat or transport, provided they align with the diet plan.
- Common mistakes: changing doses without veterinary input.
- Crushing tablets that are meant to be given whole.
- Switching feeds without checking starch and sugar data.
Popular Options for Equine Cushing’s Disease
Many barns use pergolide as the mainstay medication. It targets dopamine pathways that influence pituitary activity. Typical strengths support once-daily dosing, with adjustments guided by clinical response and repeat lab work. Some caregivers hide tablets in low-sugar carriers or hand-feed after grain to ensure full intake. Adjunct support may include omega-3 sources for metabolic resilience and coat quality.
Low starch concentrates and forage balancers remain popular in PPID management. These products help moderate post-meal insulin curves and support topline when activity is limited. Senior-specific feeds can assist with chewing and digestibility while controlling sugar levels. Basic stable tools also see steady use, including shedding blades, mane-comb sets, and coat clippers for thick haircoats. Hoof picks, thrush care, and supportive pads can help during wet seasons or after farrier visits.
Related Conditions & Uses
PPID often overlaps with insulin dysregulation, muscle loss, and delayed coat shedding. Farriers and veterinarians coordinate schedules to reduce laminitis risk, adjust trims, and monitor digital pulses. Diet changes, turnout timing, and blanketing are common seasonal tactics. In this context, many owners review PPID in horses alongside plans for weight control and hoof protection. Barn teams also prepare electrolyte and hydration strategies during heat waves.
Some horses show signs similar to equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), a distinct condition that also involves insulin regulation. Your veterinarian will interpret testing, including ACTH and insulin metrics, and clarify priorities. Together, a plan may include medication, ration balancing, and exercise suited to the horse’s limits. Routine tracking of appetite, attitude, hoof comfort, and coat changes helps identify early shifts. Simple logs make communication with the care team faster and clearer.
Authoritative Sources
For an overview of diagnostic steps, including horse ACTH testing and monitoring intervals, consult these neutral resources:
- Merck Veterinary Manual provides clinical background and definitions for PPID in horses: Overview of PPID in Horses.
- AAEP offers practical guidance for veterinarians managing chronic endocrine cases: AAEP PPID Resources.
- FDA Animal Drugs lists approved animal drug information and labeling references: FDA Animal Drugs Database.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription for PPID medications?
Yes. Prescription PPID medications require a valid veterinary prescription. The prescribing veterinarian confirms diagnosis, selects starting dose, and sets a monitoring schedule. You can then browse available strengths and package sizes that match the script. If a refill is needed, follow your vet’s guidance and the label. Over-the-counter supplements can complement treatment but do not replace prescribed therapy.
How often should PPID monitoring be done?
Monitoring frequency varies by case. Many veterinarians recheck clinical signs and ACTH after dose changes or season shifts. Early in treatment, reassessment often occurs within 4–12 weeks. Stable responders may move to longer intervals. Keep a barn log tracking dose time, appetite, hoof comfort, and shedding. This record helps your vet interpret lab values and adjust the plan if needed.
What feed features are preferred for PPID horses?
Most PPID diets emphasize low non-structural carbohydrates with consistent forage. Many barns use low starch concentrate or a ration balancer, then add minerals and omega-3s as needed. Soaking hay can reduce water-soluble carbohydrates for some horses. Always review feed tags and lab forage tests where possible. Coordinate changes with your veterinarian, especially if insulin dysregulation or laminitis risk is present.
Can pergolide tablets be split or crushed?
Follow the specific product label and your veterinarian’s advice. Some tablets are scored for splitting, which eases dose adjustments. Crushing can alter taste or stability and may expose handlers to drug dust. Ask your vet about safe handling, palatability options, and timing with feed. Store tablets per label instructions to maintain potency and consistency of response.
What signs suggest a dose review is needed?
Typical triggers include return of long haircoat, lethargy, new foot soreness, or increased drinking and urination. Weight changes, skin infections, or delayed shedding may also prompt reassessment. Record observations and confirm timing relative to feeding and turnout. Contact your veterinarian to discuss lab work and potential dose changes. Do not alter dosing without veterinary input.
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