Equine Cushing's Disease

For those of you who read my post yesterday you will know that my riding teacher Fiona thinks that her Grand Prix horse Vettie has got Cushings Disease, I didn't know what this was and decided that becoming a horse owner this year I should know what it is. So yesterday I got out my 'Horse Health Bible' book and also another horse health book that I have got that I can't quite remember the name of and was surprised that neither of them had anything in them to do with Cushings, so I decided today I would look it up on the internet and do a post about it. So here goes:-

What is Cushing's Disease?

This is an Equine Disease that is one of the most common hormonal disorders that occurs in horses and ponies. The main cause of this is a tumor, or an increase of cells near the pituitary gland. This then causes an increase in the stress

hormone Cortisol, or it can cause mimicking of this particular hormone by the adrenal gland this is located near the horses' kidneys.

Common Signs of Cushing's?

The most common sign of Cushing's can be seen and found from the horses coat, it can vary from abnormal shedding to a wavy coat length. Probably the most common sign is that a horse fails to shed in the summer, causing the horse to grow a long coat of hair. Another common sign is an increase in urination, it can also cause a horse to drink more than the normal 5 - 8 gallons of water, which is the common daily amount consumed by horses daily. Loss of muscle as well as the appearance of a pot belly are also occasional signs of the development of Cushings, as well as chronic or relapsing Laminitis. Although not only older horses get Cushing's it is more common in elderly horses.

Causes of Cushing's Disease?

The pituitary gland is located near the bottom of the brain and can also be called the 'master gland' this is because it controls the horses hormones, it is believed that Cushings is caused by a tumor, which then causes the adrenal glands near the kidneys of horses to produce too much of the stress hormone. The normal functions of Cortisol in a horse range from regulating blood pressure, heat function and the metabolism to regulate toning in muscles and helping the body respond to stress.

Dangers of Cushing's Disease?

If not managed properly, horses with the disease can live between 5-7 years. However failure to manage the illness can cause a dramatic decrease in the life expectancy of the horse. It could also cause the horse to become blind.

Treatment for Cushing's Disease?

Althought there is no cure for Cushing's Disease in horses, prescription treatment such as pergolyde aim to decrease cushing's severity. It is important to make sure the vet pays regular visits. It is essential to have a balanced diet for the horses, especially considering that some horses with Cushings disease are Insulin Resistant and are more likely to get Laminitis.

Until Next Time
A Girl With A Dream.

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The way to heaven is on horseback

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