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How to Identify and Treat Equine Cushing’s Disease in Horses?

how to identify and treat equine cushings disease in horses

Introduction

Equine Cushing’s Disease is a serious condition that can affect horses. The body’s excess cortisol is due to a pituitary tumour. Equine Cushing’s Disease is a serious condition that horse owners need to know about. This will allow them to identify the problem and seek treatment. This article will cover the diagnosis and treatment for Equine Cushing’s Disease in horses.

What is Equine Cushing’s Disease?

Equine Cushing’s Disease is an abnormal growth in the pituitary, which is located at the base the brain. The growth can cause an excess of corticosteroids which can lead to many health problems for horses. Equine Cushing’s Disease is characterized by excessive drinking, high urination and long hair. It can also cause muscle loss, laminitis, and increased body weight.

How to identify Equine Cushing’s Disease

Blood tests are the most effective way to determine Equine Cushing’s Disease. To check for elevated cortisol levels due to a pituitary tumour, a blood sample can be taken. A thyroid panel and other tests can be used to confirm Equine Cushing’s Disease.

Physical Examination

When diagnosing Equine Curshing’s Disease, a physical exam is important. The veterinarians will check for signs such as excessive drinking, increased urine output, and long hair. Veterinarians may feel the abdomen of horses to determine if there is an overactive pituitary gland.

Urine Testing

To detect horses suffering from Equine Cushing’s Disease, a urine test can be used. A dexamethasone suppression test may be recommended by the veterinarian in certain cases. This evaluates the body’s response to the drug.

Treatment of Equine Cushing’s Disease

Equine Cushing’s Disease can be identified and treated immediately to reduce the severity of the disease and improve the horse’s quality of living. The most common treatment involves medication such as pergolide and cyproheptadine which decrease cortisol production.

Exercise and dieting

To reduce Equine Cushing’s Disease symptoms, it is important that horses are properly fed and exercised. To avoid stress on horses’ bodies, a diet low in sugar and high fiber is recommended.

Surgery

Sometimes, surgery may be required to remove the pituitary tumour that is causing excessive cortisol production. If the horse is suffering from severe illness, or if medication isn’t controlling excessive cortisol production, surgery is usually recommended.

Conclusion

Equine Cushing’s Disease can lead to serious health issues in horses. Horse owners need to be familiar with the symptoms and signs of Equine Cushing’s Disease so they can provide the best possible care and treatment for their horses. Equine Cushing’s Disease can be identified and treated so that horses are comfortable and healthy.

FAQs

What is the best way to diagnose Equine Cushing’s Disease?

Blood tests are the most effective way to determine Equine Cushing’s Disease. To check for elevated cortisol levels due to a pituitary tumour, a blood sample can be taken.

What are the treatments for Equine Cushing’s Disease?

Treatment for Equine Cushing’s Disease usually involves medication such as pergolide and cyproheptadine which decrease cortisol production. To reduce symptoms, it is important to control a horse’s diet. Sometimes, surgery may be required to remove the pituitary tumour that causes the excessive production of cortisol.