Information on pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also known as Cushing’s Disease in horses.
Navigating through the volumes of information on equine Cushing’s disease and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) can be time-consuming, frustrating, and extremely confusing for horse owners. The two diseases are somewhat similar, but treatments differ.
What was the hottest news in equine veterinary medicine in 2009? During the popular Kester News Hour session at the annual American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention, three top veterinarians (who focus on equine reproduction
Horses with Cushing’s disease tend to have higher fecal egg counts than healthy horses.
Oregon State Researchers suggest that a low bioavailability and a rapid rate of elimination of the drug metformin might explain the “varied reports of clinical success” for improving insulin sensitivity in horses.
Metformin is an oral
Researchers at Auburn University still need horses to participate in a study that will examine the use of chasteberry (vitex agnus castus) supplements in horses with Cushing’s disease.
Chasteberry supplements are ofte
Researchers have recently cautioned horse owners currently treating horses diagnosed with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, or equine Cushing’s syndrome) that the compounded form of the drug pergolide mesylate can become
As soon as my 20-year-old gelding was diagnosed with equine Cushing’s disease, I eliminated glucosamine from his diet.
Elanco Animal Health (a division of Eli Lilly and Company), in collaboration with Michigan State University, Oklahoma State University, and Louisiana State University, is seeking horses with equine Cushing’s disease, also known as pituitary pars
Owners of older horses that exhibit any of the classic signs of Cushing’s during the fall months work with their veterinarians to determine whether they should test or treat horses until diagnoses can be confirmed.
Research groups reported their findings of the impact of seasonal variations for pituitary glad dysfunction.
Dianne McFarlane, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, Dipl. ABVP, is an assistant professor with the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. McFarlane recently received a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to
Wedgewood Pharmacy has introduced peppermint- and alfalfa-flavored pergolide for horses in its Gourmeds dosage form. Gourmeds are chewable, naturally flavored tablets that are easy to administer.
Pergolide mesylate, a drug used to treat
When it comes to horses, what does “low carb” mean? Lower than what? “There are several analytical procedures that measure sugar, and each one measures a slightly different fraction,” said Kathryn Watts, BS, owner of Rocky Mountain Research & Consult
Horses suffer from few endocrine disorders compared to humans and companion animals; however, they’re not totally off the hook, explained Emily Graves, VMD, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, of Michigan State University, to horse owners in attendance at the
The lack of dopamine is critical, as the activity of the pars intermedia is normally inhibited (controlled) by dopamine. Without dopamine, the pars intermedia produces much more hormone than it should, causing the clinical signs of PPID.
Medication options for PPID include pergolide, cyproheptadine, trilostane, and chasteberry extract. One disadvantage is that no treatment is currently FDA-approved for PPID in horses.
Stay on top of the most recent Horse Health news with
