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Conditions
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MUSCULOSKELETAL/LAMENESS
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DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
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RESPIRATORY
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HORMONAL
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EQUINE CUSHINGS
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Cushing's disease is caused by an increased amount of the body's own steroid, cortisol. This increase comes about because of an increased size of a section of the pituitary gland in the brain called the pars intermedia. Because of this cushing's will often be referred to as pars pituitary intermedia dysfunction. The increase in size of the pituitary gland causes it to release more ACTH, a hormone that regulates the release of cortisol, hence, there is more cortisol produced from the adrenal glands.
The increase in size of the pituitary gland usually occurs as a result of old age, the average age of animals with cushing's is 19 years. The condition is also seen more commonly in ponies than horses. |
Clinical signs:
Affected animals will have some or all of the following signs; thicker coat, weight loss, lethargy, laminitis, increased drinking, bulging fat around the eyes and increased susceptibility to infections. |
Diagnosis:
Blood tests are used to diagnose the condition.
A common test is called the dexamethasone suppression test. In this test a blood sample to measure cortisol is taken, then some steroid is injected into the animal and another blood test measures cortisol 18-24 hours later. The difference between these 2 samples can allow the vet to assess whether the animal has cushing's. |
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Treatment:
There are drugs available to treat cushing's, the most common of which being pergolide. As the condition can only be managed rather than cured drug treatment will be required for the rest of the patients life.
Careful management of horses with cushing's is also required. Cases of laminitis and infections must be diagnosed and treated early, animals should be given a good diet and plenty of water. If the animals coat has become very long and they spear to be too hot then the hair should be clipped away. |
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URINARY
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DENTISTRY
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HEART AND CIRCULATION
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SKIN
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Lameness
