What is Cushing's disease. How to recognize it?
ECS, Equine Cushing Syndrome, is the most common hormonal disorder in horses. In the meantime it is also often called Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) denotes. Cushing's disease mainly affects older horses and ponies. About one in five horses over the age of 15 is diagnosed with Cushing's disease. The disease is chronically progressive and incurable, but successfully treatable. As a result of Cushing's often develops Laminitis or various infections.
How do I recognize Cushing?
– Long, thick and sometimes curly coat – Coat change is slow and often incomplete – Fat pads over the eyes or on the mane crest – Horses often take in more water and urinate excessively – Muscle deformities leading to drooping back and belly – Laminitis of unexplained cause
What is the cause of this hormone disorder?
ECS is a Disease of the pituitary gland, which is responsible for the production of many hormones. It is important to note that the cortisol serum level does not always have to be elevated. Cortisol is a hormone that affects numerous metabolic functions, the immune system, and the cardiovascular system.
Cushing's disease can also develop from too long treatment with cortisone (called iatrogenic ECS).
Cushing's disease should be diagnosed and treated as early as possible, then the horse has a good chance to live with ECS for a long time without any symptoms.
How is Cushing treated?
Cushing should be avoided if possible diagnosed and treated early then the horse has good chances , Being able to live long and symptom-free with ECS. Common treatment is with the drug pergolide, which inhibits the increased production and secretion of ACTH. This usually leads to an improvement within a few months.
The owner can avoid stress for the horse, for example by providing a safe and familiar habitat. Furthermore, he should have enough food and water ready, take care of the hooves, groom the horse frequently to prevent skin diseases and have the teeth checked regularly. If the horse suffers from a thick coat in summer, the coat can be shorn. If it is cold, the horse should be covered.
Are horses with Cushing's allowed in the paddock??
You can never be 100% sure that the horse will not get laminitis. Basically, horses react with EMS, Cushing's disease or laminitis more sensitive to Fructan in the grass .