With the warmer days of spring and summer approaching, veterinarians are cautioning horse owners to take a careful look at any horses that don't shed their haircoats in a timely manner, but instead develop a scruffy, unkempt appearance. The scruffy coat may be a symptom of Cushing's disease, also known as Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction, or PPID.
Cushing's disease in horses
Veterinarians are cautioning horse owners to take a careful look at any horses that do not shed their haircoats in a timely manner.
Equine Cushing's disease is one of the most common diseases in older horses. It is a disorder of the pituitary gland that results in hormonal imbalances, causing a variety of clinical signs.
Most veterinarians can readily diagnose the disease both by appearance and the use of tests. Treating the disease promptly is important, because without treatment, symptoms tend to worsen over time and many horses are euthanized as a consequence of laminitis, recurrent foot abscesses, or complications related to bacterial infections.
Having the horse's teeth, hooves, and general health checked regularly by a veterinarian and scheduling vaccinations, dewormings, and hoof care on a regular basis so as to catch any problems before they become serious will help reduce problems that may lead to Cushing's disease.
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