Early symptoms of PPID in horses are often missed
A horse with advanced Equine PPIDA horse with advanced Equine PPID
Recognizing the early clinical signs of Equine PPID is important because the sooner you begin treatment, the easier it is to manage the symptoms.
© 2018 by Cheval-Ile_de_Batz
The signs and symptoms of PPID can vary depending on the level of progression of the disease and the individual horse. While the signs of advanced PPID are more obvious, it is easy to miss the subtle, early symptoms of PPID.
Classic symptoms of PPID (Cushing’s Disease) in horses
While there are many clinical signs and symptoms of PPID, abnormal hair coat and laminitis are the two most well known. Both of these symptoms can occur at all stages of the disease but tend to be subtle earlier on and increase in severity as the disease progresses.
Abnormal hair coat, including a lack of seasonal shedding, is one of the classic clinical signs of equine PPID.
In early PPID, haircoat abnormalities tend to be subtle and regional. Your horse may shed his winter coat everywhere except in small patches—usually around the jawline and base of the neck, and along the back of the front and hind legs. The summer coat may grow longer and lighter in colour in these areas.
In advanced PPID, hair coat abnormalities are more noticeable and generalized; your horse does not shed out his winter coat until well into spring or summer, or in some cases, not at all. The fur may also appear abnormal—lighter in colour, longer, and/or curly.
Laminitis
Over 50% of horses with PPID have laminitis. Laminitis is the inflammation of sensitive layers of tissue inside the hoof. Laminitis is considered both an early sign and an advanced sign of PPID. Laminitis has been shown to be associated with abnormal insulin levels.
Laminitis can be a devastating disease. It is extremely painful and debilitating for the horse. In severe cases, euthanasia is often the only option. Recognizing the early signs of laminitis is important to increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Equine laminitis signs, in order of disease progression, include:
A strong digital pulse and hooves that feel warm to the touch
A shortened stride or stiff gait
Horse hoof deformities, including abnormal hoof growth rings
A pronounced white line between the hoof wall and sole
Shifting weight from hoof to hoof
Reluctance or refusal to move or to pick up the feet
An abnormal stance in which the horse may appear rocked back or forward
Laminitis can also occur in a number of situations other than PPID, including equine metabolic syndrome.
Recognizing the early clinical signs of Equine PPID is important because the sooner you begin treatment, the easier it is to manage the symptoms.
Early signs and symptoms of equine PPID
- Change in behaviour: A change in personality can be one of the earliest equine PPID symptoms.
- Subtle hair coat abnormalities and delayed shedding
- Delayed shedding of the winter coat may occur in some areas, and the summer coat may look different in these same areas.
Loss of topline: Symptoms include:
- Prominent withers
- Sunken shoulders
- Prominent spine
- Dished appearance around hip bones
Early symptoms of PPID in horses include:
- Regional adiposity: Fat deposits may appear along the crest of the neck and at the tail head, as well as above the eyes.
- Laminitis: Sensitive layers of tissue inside the hoof may become inflamed.
- Infertility: Reproductive cycles may be abnormal or absent, potentially leading to infertility.
- Lethargy or decreased athletic performance: Increased sluggishness compared to normal could be an early sign of PPID.
Can you identify the signs of PPID? Learn about PPID and test your knowledge about this often-overlooked disease by taking the quiz. Start the quiz HERE.
Press release by Boehringer Ingelheim