Early symptoms of PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction) in horses are often missed because the signs and symptoms 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.
Petting a horse's muzzle to establish calm contact
Recognizing the early clinical signs of PPID is important, as it can help lead to an earlier diagnosis of PPID and the sooner treatment begins, the easier it is to manage the symptoms.
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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 color, longer, and/or curly.
Many PPID horses have laminitis which is considered both an early sign and an advanced sign of PPID. Laminitis is the inflammation of sensitive layers of tissue inside the hoof. Laminitis can also occur in a number of situations other than PPID, including equine metabolic syndrome.
Laminitis which has been shown to be associated with abnormal insulin levels 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.
Learn more about PPID and Laminitis and see complete article HERE .
Press release by Boehringer Ingelheim