## Overview Cushing’s disease in horses is pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), the most common endocrine disorder of older equids. Loss of dopaminergic inhibition allows the pars intermedia to overproduce hormones, including adrenocorticotropic hormone. Classic signs include failure to shed, long curly coat, laminitis, muscle loss, and recurrent infections. ## Causes Neurodegeneration of hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons, more common with advancing age. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs plus endocrine testing (baseline adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test). Testing is seasonally adjusted. ## Treatment Pergolide (Prascend) is the approved first-line medication. Supportive care includes diet management, dentistry, farriery, and parasite control. Many horses improve markedly. ## Recovery and Prognosis The disease is progressive but manageable. Well-controlled horses often live comfortably for years. ## Prevention No prevention. Annual screening of older horses allows early treatment.
failure to shed or long curly coat; laminitis; muscle wasting; recurrent infections; lethargy; abnormal fat distribution
## Overview Cushing’s disease in horses is pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), the most common endocrine disorder of older equids. Loss of dopaminergic inhibition allows the pars intermedia to overproduce hormones, including adrenocorticotropic hormone. Classic signs include failure to shed, long curly coat, laminitis, muscle loss, and recurrent infections. ## Causes Neurodegeneration of hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons, more common with advancing age. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs plus endocrine testing (baseline adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test). Testing is seasonally adjusted. ## Treatment Pergolide (Prascend) is the approved first-line medication. Supportive care includes diet management, dentistry, farriery, and parasite control. Many horses improve markedly. ## Recovery and Prognosis The disease is progressive but manageable. Well-controlled horses often live comfortably for years. ## Prevention No prevention. Annual screening of older horses allows early treatment.
failure to shed or long curly coat; laminitis; muscle wasting; recurrent infections; lethargy; abnormal fat distribution