On March 29, 2007 the FDA announced the withdrawal of pergolide from the market, placing the health and well being of all horses diagnosed with Equine Cushing's Disease (pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction or PPID) in jeopardy. Thanks to those who contributed their time and efforts, the continued availability of pergolide is ensured in the U.S. - for now.
A version of pergolide mesylate branded for equine use has been introduced in the UK by drug manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim Limited.
What does this mean for US horses currently maintained on compounded pergolide to control their PPID symptoms?
If Viovet's cost is "typical", the equivalent cost in the US will be approximately $1.41 a day for a horse receiving one milligram of pergolide daily, or about $43.00 a month.
What if your horse needs a higher dose - can you afford up to $215.00 a month, the cost of the highest dose recommended by Boehringer Ingelheim to provide your horse with relief from the symptoms and problems associated with PPID?
Will FDA approval of an "equine" product eliminate the availability of the affordable compounded pergolide products currently used by thousands of horses? Who benefits from this - certainly not the horses or their owners.
As always, the ECIR group will continue providing up to date information, education and support for horse owners, veterinarians and other professionals involved in the care of horses with Cushing's Disease.
See http://www.ECIRHorse.org - your reference source for Insulin Resistance and Cushing's Disease, join the Equine Cushings and Insulin Resistance support group moderated by Eleanor Kellon, VMD, and watch and like the ECIR Group - Equine Cushings and Insulin Resistance Facebook page.
Description of Prascend used to treat Cushing's Disease - horses:
Prascend is supplied as small tablets and is the veterinary licensed form of the drug pergolide, which has been used for some time to treat Cushing's Disease in horses.
This is a hormonal disease where the pituitary gland in the brain fails to work properly, resulting in an overproduction of natural steroid hormones in the body.
This gives rise to a variety of clinical signs, the most common being a longer, paler and curly coat. Affected horses often appear depressed and lose weight despite seeming to eat more. They often drink and urinate excessively too.
Cushing's disease results in a depressed immune system, so parasite infestations and bacterial infections often develop. Cushing's disease is seen most often in older ponies. Vets can perform blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Prascend is unable to cure Cushing's disease, but it helps to control symptoms and improves the quality of life.