Auburn University researchers have launched an effort to gather information about what horse and barn owners, trainers, and others involved in the horse business (but not veterinarians or farriers) know about equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, formerly known as equine Cushing’s disease).

“These diseases are often confused, and treatment is different based on the disease process that the horse may have,” said Alfredo Sanchez-Londono, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, associate clinical professor in the Equine Field Service at Auburn, in Alabama, in a letter to potential respondents. “There is a vast amount of information available about these diseases, but still there is confusion about diagnosis and treatment, which could impact the health of the horse.

“The goal of the survey is to be able to better understand the current knowledge about the diseases so that we can improve the way that information is being presented to people involved in the horse industry for the benefit of the horse,” Sanchez-Londono added.

The survey, which can be found here, takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. It is voluntary, and respondents can exit it at any time if they decide they no longer wish to participate.