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Hypertrichosis (Abnormally Long Coat)
A long, abnormally shedding coat is the hallmark clinical sign of PPID. Body clipping the coat during summer months can help keep a PPID horse from overheating. | Photo: iStock
Early Signs of PPID
While hypertrichosis is a common sign of advanced PPID, horses might show other, more subtle signs earlier. These can include lethargy and decreased performance. Many people think of PPID as an older-horse disease, but studies have identified horses with PPID as young as 7 years old. | Photo: iStock
Affected Breeds
According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Morgan horses and ponies are overrepresented in the PPID population. However, horses of any breed can get PPID. | Photo: iStock
Excessive Drinking and Urinating
Horses with PPID also drink and urinate more than normal, healthy horses. These clinical signs are called polydipsia (excessive drinking) and polyuria (excessive urinating). | Photo: iStock
PPID Testing
In addition to noting classic PPID clinical signs, veterinarians can use blood tests to confirm diagnosis. Learn more about diagnosing PPID in “At A Glance: Diagnosing Equine Cushing’s Disease."| Photo: Alexandra Beckstett/The Horse
PPID and Insulin Resistance
Horses with PPID can also become insulin resistant, which leads to many of the clinical signs associate with PPID, including abnormal fat deposits, lethargy, and laminitis | Photo: University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture
Laminitis Risk
Due to hormonal imbalances, horses with PPID have an increased risk of laminitis, a painful hoof disease that can be fatal. | Photo: Erica Larson/The Horse
Nutritional Management
In addition to medication, nutrition plays an important part in managing horses with PPID. Veterinarians recommend decreasing nonstructural carbohydrate (essentially the sugars and starches in the diet) to reduce laminitis risk. | Photo: iStock
