25/04/2025
Excellent information thank you The Rivers Equine Vets
First up - Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID)
🔹 PPID is a common endocrine disease of older horses, generally affecting those aged 15 years and above.
🔹 Occurs when a section of the pituitary gland in the brain becomes enlarged and overproduces hormones.
🔹 Clinical Signs may include;
- change in attitude and/or lethargy
- hypertrichosis (long shaggy hair coat that doesn’t shed come spring). See photo.
- muscle wasting (especially along top line)
- regional fat deposits
- increased water intake and increased urination
- laminitis
- increased susceptibility to infections (hoof abscesses, skin issues, respiratory issues, dental issues).
- infertility
🔹 Testing for PPID involves taking blood to check the level of ACTH - one of the hormones that is released by the pituitary gland. If levels come back high and the horse is showing clinical signs we can usually assume they have PPID.
🔹 Depending on the clinical signs your horse is showing we may carry out other diagnostics such as xrays if we suspect laminitis or a dental exam if they are having weight issues.
🔹 Treatment for PPID involves daily medication with pergolide (most commonly in the form of Prascend tablets). This is a lifelong treatment and there are now multiple formulations available so discuss options with your vet. This may be in conjunction with other treatments such as pain relief in the initial phase depending on symptoms.
🔹 Longer term;
- Horses with PPID are high risk for dental disease and so it is important to keep them up to date with regular dentals.
- Routine blood testing is recommended to ensure ACTH levels have come back within normal limits. Initially 2-3 months after starting treatment and then yearly.
- ACTH levels fluctuate naturally during the year so the best testing time is Autumn.
- Nutrition is important and should be tailored to the individual, some general rules are aim for low sugar and provide a good quality protein.
🔹 Tomorrow we will take a look at EMS!
Photo Courtesty of the Equine Endocrinology Group