“Let your older horse talk to you”, is the advice from the owner of a 28-year-old gelding enjoying his “second chance at an active life”.

Kiki Maurey’s American quarter horse Snippers Soul Rebel (Ché) was retired in 2020 as he was intermittently unlevel, then went very lame in all four feet a year later. He was diagnosed with laminitis and PPID (Cushing’s) as well as issues in his teeth.

Three years of team effort later, including top veterinary and farrier treatment and Kiki’s care, he is back in work and happy.

“When Kiki first saw Ché in his stable, it was love at first sight,” said a spokesman for Seadown Veterinary Group, which treated Ché.

“She’s always loved grey horses and she recalls loving Ché’s big liquid eyes, his large cheeks, tiny ears and a lively intelligence.”

Kiki had painful joints and was considering hanging up her riding boots when she heard about five-year-old Ché. Her now ex-partner thought she had bought an overpriced New Forest pony but “thankfully it was my money, so no contest”, Kiki said.

Kiki competed and trained in western disciplines, settling on reining as her competitive discipline of choice. They were Garden of England Winter Circuit 2010 Rookie Circuit champions, trained with British Reining team member Doug Allen and competed with some of the best in Europe.

Their last competition was in 2012, after which they hacked out until Ché’s first retirement, at which time Kiki bought another horse.

Karolina Kalka, who came to see Ché when he went lame, X-rayed his feet.

“The radiographic study revealed subtle signs of chronic laminitis that had been overlooked for a while, due to a low level of discomfort being masked by the horse,” she said. “I took a blood sample and discovered that he also had early PPID that could have been associated with an insidious onset of laminar separation within the hoof capsule and mild rotation of the coffin bone. It was not that easy to spot as Ché had none of the classical appearance of early-onset PPID, having a good quality coat, preserved reasonable condition of his musculature and a normal demeanour. The horizontal position of the palmar processes of the coffin bone (flattened position) in the left fore hoof was associated with a mild but persistent discomfort exhibited by Che.”

Dental assessment showed he had multiple diastemata (enlarged spaces between his teeth), which had induced periodontal disease and discomfort.

Ché was put on a strict diet with limited turnout and medicated. He lost muscle but his next blood counts were positive, and he was shod in front with mesh and gel to give him support.

His condition improved but Kiki learned she had to be strict with his diet. The PPID affected his hoof quality but an assortment of foot pads and hoof boots kept him comfortable.

“I’ve learned my lesson: I need to be able to see a slight shadow from his ribs, avoid moving the electric fences too much, and avoid cereals, sugar beet, molasses or oil in his feed, giving damped good quality hay instead,” Kiki said. “And whenever the weather allows, put turnout hoof boots and pads on his front feet to protect his naturally thin soles.”

Kiki said Ché’s recovery has been a team effort, but that the horse himself is the key.

“With an exceptional work ethic he nudges me if we don’t ride out every few days,” she said. “A highly charismatic little horse, he fought as much as I did for his rehabilitation and still goes through all the many western dressage exercises in my back field with gusto. This builds muscle strength – even at a walk. Secondly, Karolina has a great mind and she’s been genuinely interested in getting Ché back to work. Finally, working with The Hoof Boutique was essential in finding the right boots for when Ché couldn’t take metal shoes and couldn’t tolerate going barefoot. All this taken together with a new farrier, has worked fabulously.”

Ché shows “no signs of slowing down” despite his age.

“After years of chronic knee pain, I’m now on a waiting list for a knee replacement,” said Kiki. “I’m as lame as a crow but riding western on a highly responsive and intelligent quarter horse allows me to continue being active. Ché keeps himself in self-carriage on very little contact, never trips, needs no kicking on, and is obedient to neck-reining and my voice. When I mount, we feel like one and he returns to me the thrill of freedom of movement and speed I once experienced in my youth. As for getting off, he patiently stands four-square while I carefully heave myself to the ground, doing the same when I mount, positioning himself perfectly by the mounting block, never moving until my old bum settles in the saddle. And then we’re off.”

Kiki’s advice to other owners includes finding a vet who will work with the farrier and being prepared to change habits.

“Let your old horse talk to you,” she said. “Some older horses thrive with having a job.

“Lots of cuddles, blanket changes and grooming, like with us humans, physical comfort brings its own rewards – I think Ché heals me, and I heal him.”

Karolina added that Ché is an “excellent example of an elderly horse that thrives thanks to the owner, who insists on maintaining a good quality of life of her beloved horse”.

“It is a time-consuming and demanding process, but thankfully, is equally rewarding,” she said.

“Geriatric medicine should mean more than just reducing pain originating from poorly defined sources with bute. Resolution of the discomfort can be achieved in many cases and it should be sought, as there can be a reasonable solution easily available that might change not only your horse’s life, but also your own!

“Ché can now enjoy the twilight period of his life to the very fullest extent, and I couldn’t be more proud.”

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Horses aged over 25 may be suffering from chronic laminitis without displaying any outward signs or suffering from contributory health conditions, a study has found.

Laminitis, which in severe, acute cases causes catastrophic pedal bone rotation, is a frequent cause of lameness and euthanasia in older horses. In many instances, this is as a result of endocrinopathic laminitis, which is caused by hormonal dysfunction.

The research, led by Garance Christen at the Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, University of Bern, looked at 51 clinically sound horses from different age groups (15-32 years) and X-rayed their feet to check for pedal bone rotation.

The horses were also assessed for laminitis risk by recording their body condition scores (BCS), cresty neck scores (CNS) and levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ATCH).

High ACTH levels can be a sign of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, also known as Cushing’s), one of the main underlying health conditions that can lead to laminitis.

The other common contributory health condition is equine metabolic syndrome (EMS, a form of insulin resistance), of which fatty deposits on the crest, shoulders and tail head are an indicator.

Almost half of the total sample had signs of rotation on X-ray, although none of them showed signs of acute lameness or PPID.

Of these, horses aged over 25 were found to be three times more likely to have pedal bone rotation than horses in the younger age category.

Surprisingly, those with high CNS and BCS and above average seasonal ACTH levels were not found to be more prone to radiographic changes than those who had low or normal scores in these categories.

“Chronic laminitic changes can be present in the absence of clinical disease, especially if the horses’ age exceeds 25 years,” the study’s authors said.

“We think that radiographic changes are related to early or pre-clinical PPID in this cohort of horses because this remains the best explanation for the higher incidence of laminitis in the old age group.”

They said that owners and vets need to be aware of the increased probability of sub-clinical laminitis in those animals, even in the absence of a PPID diagnosis.

Continues below…

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“Radiographic assessment of aged horses with suspicion of pre-clinical PPID remains important as no other diagnostic option for laminitis is currently available in the absence of clinical signs,” they said.

They added that as ACTH levels did not correlate with the presence of pedal bone rotation, this currently left researchers without an active biomarker to predict laminitic episodes.

One limitation of the study, however, was that insulin measurements were not taken and that this may be a more accurate predictor.

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• This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

A long, curly coat that fails to shed normally is the classical clinical sign of Cushing’s disease in horses, which is more correctly known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID).

In cases of PPID in horses, the pituitary gland, which is a located at the base of the brain and produces hormones in response to brain signals, suffers damage to the mechanisms that control the levels of these hormones. This leads to an excessive production of specific hormones, which enter the horse’s circulation and affect the whole body.

All breeds and types may be affected, but ponies appear to be at greatest risk. It is usually seen in horses and ponies over the age of 15 years. Mares and geldings are equally affected.

PPID typically develops slowly over a period of several years. It is now thought that many horses and ponies have PPID to some degree, even if they do not show the most obvious signs.

While there is no cure, treatment may extend or improve the horse’s quality of life, but medication is expensive and once started, it is best if it is maintained.

Cushing’s disease/PPID in horses: Signs | Causes | Diagnosis | Management | Treatment | Prognosis

Signs of PPID in horses

The signs of Cushing’s/PPID are often vague and variable, and may easily be confused with other diseases or simply put down to “old age”.

Weight loss and lethargy are commonly seen, despite a normal or occasionally increased appetite. Loss of muscle mass, particularly over the saddle area and rump, is caused by protein breakdown. Some horses and ponies may develop the appearance of a “pot belly” due to weakening and stretching of the abdominal muscles. Fat may be deposited along the crest of the neck, above the tail and above and behind the eyes. Sweating is a common sign, particularly in areas where the coat is long.Affected horses may drink and urinate more than usual, although this can be very hard to assess, especially in field-kept animals. Affected horses may appear more docile and tolerant of pain than others.

Recurrent infections (such as dental, respiratory and skin disease) are common due to suppression of the immune system. In addition, wound healing may be delayed and simple things such as mouth ulcers can become an issue.

Sometimes, there are other potential clues, like the coat that looks as if it has been permed or repeatedly suffering from foot abscesses.

Laminitis is probably the most serious complication of Cushing’s disease and may prove difficult to treat.

What causes Cushing’s disease/PPID?

Cushing’s/PPID is caused by progressive nerve degeneration in an area of the brain called the hypothalamus, leading to a reduction in secretion of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is important in controlling the secretions of a part of the pituitary gland called the pars intermedia, which in turn is responsible for controlling the secretion of hormones including ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) and cortisol.

When the pars intermedia is not exposed to enough dopamine from the hypothalamus, abnormally high levels of various hormones are produced which leads to the clinical signs associated with the disease.

How is it diagnosed?

Your vet is likely to make an initial diagnosis based on the horse’s history and clinical signs, which can then be confirmed by testing for hormone levels in blood.

There have been lengthy periods when the blood test is free to horse owners in the UK and Republic of Ireland so speak to your vet to see if this offer is running if you’re planning to have your horse tested. The cost of the test is subsidised by the company that makes the medication licensed for treating horses for this condition.

While PPID cannot be prevented or cured, effective management and treatment can improve the horse or pony’s quality of life.

Management of Cushing’s disease/PPID in horses

The most effective way to control the signs of Cushing’s (PPID) is with medication. In addition, supportive management such as clipping, dentistry and weight control will help ensure you’re providing the best quality of life possible for your horse and minimising the risk of complications, particularly laminitis.

Horses with thick coats will sweat, becoming uncomfortable and distressed in warm weather. They will benefit from regular clipping all year round – investing in a reliable set of clippers is a good move.

Dental care is very important to help prevent infections and maximise the absorption of nutrients from the diet. Dental problems can lead to painful chewing and quidding, which will reduce appetite resulting in further weight loss.

Careful assessment of diet is necessary and giving a soft pelleted feed designed for older or veteran horses may be helpful. Most crucially, it is important to minimise the risk of laminitis: professional advice from a nutritionist may be needed to ensure a balanced diet.

Regular use of a weigh tape is useful to monitor weight, and the diet should be altered as necessary to maintain body condition.

Routine foot care is also important to help prevent recurrent hoof abscesses and laminitis.

Vaccinations, regular de-worming and treatment for ectoparasites (lice, etc) are more important than usual and should be kept up to date. Due to suppression of the immune system, prompt treatment of any infection is recommended.

Treatment of PPID

Although a number of different medicines have been assessed as treatments for Cushing’s (PPID), only one is currently a licensed treatment in the UK. This treatment contains pergolide, which acts to compensate for the neurons that are no longer producing the dopamine.

In a small number of cases, a vet may prescribe other medications including:

• Bromocriptine (replaces dopamine production)
• Trilostane (inhibits cortisol production)
• Cyproheptadine (inhibits serotonin production)

An improvement in a horse’s demeanour and attitude may be seen within one to two weeks of commencing treatment; however, changes to the hair coat can take up to six months to show a full improvement.

Talk to your own vet about the appropriate treatment for your horse or pony and the benefits and side effects.

Prognosis

Treatment does not halt the progression of the disease, but it can lessen the clinical signs and improve the animal’s quality of life.

Many affected horses and ponies are able to live comfortably with good management for at least a couple of years. But ultimately, recurrent bouts of laminitis or infection or other complications of old age, may necessitate euthanasia.

The Royal Veterinary College announced in August 2022 that its researchers had been awarded funding from CVS (UK) Limited to develop a new assessment tool to evaluate the quality of life for horses with the condition. The research was expected to take place over three years.

Further reading:

Does pergolide therapy prevent laminitis in horses diagnosed with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction? February 2018

The Royal Veterinary College to develop ground-breaking tool that assesses quality of life for horses and ponies with common hormone disorder August 2022

The owner of three horses who had to be put down after she ignored advice on treatment for laminitis has been banned from keeping equines for 20 years.

The RSPCA said that by banning Claire Mason, of Magnolia Close, Drakes Broughton, Worcester, magistrates had “recognised how important it is that no other animals are made to endure the same fate” as Mason’s three mares.

Mason, 46, appeared at Worcester Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on 19 April, having pleaded guilty to three charges under the Animal Welfare Act at an earlier hearing.

Mason admitted causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide appropriate veterinary treatment for part-bred Arabs Rosie, Enrica and Fern, who were kept on a livery yard in Norton between 3 July and 14 September 2018.

The mares were found to be “severely lame” when an RSPCA inspector attended following concerns raised about their wellbeing in May 2018.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said despite repeated warnings from the charity and a vet, Mason failed to address the mares’ health concerns instead “choosing” to leave them to suffer.

RSPCA inspector Suzi Smith said: “The horses were suffering from laminitis brought about by failing to treat underlying pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, also known as Cushing’s.

“This can be managed successfully on medication alongside a well-managed diet. Sadly Mason failed to do this despite being made aware of the condition and being advised accordingly.”

The inspector said Mason was an experienced owner who should have known how to care for horses adding this made it “even more unacceptable” that she left the mares to suffer.

“The treatment plans and advice she’d been given were simply ignored. By banning her from keeping horses the court has recognised how important it is that no other animals are made to endure the same fate,” said Ms Smith.

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All three mares were put down with the owner’s consent following veterinary advice owing to the severity of their condition.

The court heard Mason had mental health problems and further mitigation was advanced on the basis that the defendant had owned horses for years, had never had any previous issues, and had “won prizes at shows”.

Mason was sentenced to 12 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and 100 hours of unpaid work. She was ordered to pay £1,000 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

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When celebrity portrait photographer Lucy Sewill’s much-loved endurance mare had to be put down as a result of Cushing’s, she had a sudden realisation — she was suffering from the condition herself.

Horses have been part of Lucy’s life since childhood and her passion for them was reflected in her 2016 book Horses and Humans, which featured equestrian celebrities William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning, Kelly Marks and American Pie, Monty Roberts and Shy Boy and Dickie Waygood.

Lucy is a believer in the “special bond between horses and humans”, which she said helped her find the answer to debilitating symptoms that had plagued her for years.

“The relationships we have with our horses are so life-enhancing,” she said. ”The way animals and humans relate is extraordinary — including highlighting things that are wrong with us.”

An FEI endurance rider, Lucy had previously completed 100-mile rides with her 23-year-old Anglo-Arab Nutcracker. The mare had been enjoying a quieter life — although still “fit, athletic and active” — when she suffered a dramatic onset of symptoms.

“She just went stiff overnight. I called the vet and said I thought something was really wrong,” Lucy said. “By the next day she was lying down and couldn’t get up and she’d developed laminitis. The pedal bones rotated really quickly and we ended up putting her down there and then.”

The vet concluded that the laminitis had been caused by PPID (Cushing’s) — a condition where the pituitary gland loses the ability to control hormone production — although she had displayed none of the classic symptoms such as a thick and curly coat.

“When I thought about it afterwards, I did wonder if she’d had the Cushing’s when we were competing and if in its early stages it had given her more of a boost to keep going [it causes the over-production of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone],” Lucy said.

“Nothing came out on vet checks, her heart rate was always within the right parameters — it was naturally a bit high but didn’t go up much with exercise — she just never seemed to get tired and nor did I. Later I wondered whether we possibly both had it at the same time.”

Research

It was losing “Nutty” that prompted Lucy to do further research.

“It was such a shock when she died like that, I did do some Googling to learn more about it,” she said. “Coincidentally, I saw that dogs could also get it, as could humans — then it dawned on me that maybe I had it too and the more I looked, the more convinced I was.”

Lucy’s research led her to believe Cushing’s could be responsible for her years of ill-health. While common in horses, it is rare in humans, with only one or two new cases per million people each year in the UK. In humans, it is also more complicated and invasive to diagnose and Lucy had to push for tests.

“Luckily I had a sympathetic GP, who also owned a horse, and she knew exactly what it was in horses,” Lucy said. “She said it was very unlikely but I went back three times to talk about it and in the end she sent me for testing.”

Lucy’s hunch was confirmed after five days as an inpatient with a barrage of procedures that included an MRI.

While horses are usually prescribed medication, in people, the first step for treatment is usually surgery on the pituitary gland to remove the benign tumour behind the condition, as drugs can have unpleasant side effects.

Lucy had the operation within six months of diagnosis, carrying on working in the interim despite her symptoms.

“I had a big book to do so I didn’t tell anyone,” she revealed. “I organised the surgery for the day after I finished as I wasn’t going to miss out on that project! I was literally dragging myself round to shoots trying to pretend I was fine.”

Lucy said her symptoms highlighted to her what many horses with Cushing’s must be going through, possibly without their owners being aware.

“It made me realise how bad a horse with Cushing’s must feel. Cortisol is the fight and flight hormone and you’re producing way too much of it. Mentally is doesn’t feel nice, you are on red alert all the time — you can’t sleep very well and you’re always on a primitive programme for reaction that isn’t good for you,” she said.

“A lot of horses who get it are elderly, and it can manifest as lethargy, but I assume they must feel some of what I did and are always looking for a wolf in the hedge.”

Lucy added that while “most people had never heard of Cushing’s”, as soon as you mention it to a horse owner “they know what it is.”

Continues below…

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“They think I have a long curly coat and am a bit sweaty,” Lucy laughed. “You don’t have those symptoms in a person. While many older horses develop it, age isn’t a factor with people. It’s quite a familiar condition in horses but it gets treated in a different way in humans.”

The pituitary surgery has a 50% chance of success, and unfortunately for Lucy it was unuccessful. She had to undergo a second radical operation to remove her adrenal glands, which produce cortisol. This left her unable to make adrenaline, trading Cushing’s for another condition known as Addison’s syndrome.

Addison’s causes tiredness and sufferers live under the threat of an adrenal crisis — a stress on the body that it can no longer respond to — which can be fatal.

“I’ve had to deal with it and I’ve dealt with it, I don’t let it define me,” said Lucy, who is currently being successfully treated. “You live under the shadow of an adrenal crisis and I have to carry an emergency adrenaline injection around with me all the time.”

It has not stopped Lucy from further achievements and she has just finished a new book Dogs and Their Humans, featuring subjects including singer Gary Newman, DJ Sara Cox and comedian Matt Lucas.

“It was brilliant fun and it’s been lovely,” she said.

She has also bought a new American paint mare, Chica, to join her existing family herd of a Welsh section A and an Irish cob.

“She’s a reining horse,” she said. “I decided I needed to learn something new. She’s amazing and is already trained so she knows how to do it all — hopefully it’s something I won’t fall off doing!”

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Owners have until 31 December to obtain a voucher for a complimentary test if they suspect their horse or pony might have pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), formerly known as Cushing’s disease.

Care About Cushings is currently offering the test voucher (basal ACTH test, laboratory fees only) to owners, to help support their vet with the diagnosis. The voucher is available to claim via their website www.careaboutcushings.co.uk/voucher/request.

Approximately 20% of horses and ponies over the age of 15 are affected by PPID, which can affect any horse or pony, but it is thought to be more common in native breeds.

Gemma Stanford, director of welfare at the British Horse Society (BHS) told H&H: “PPID disease is a chronic, progressive condition caused by a hormone imbalance. The disease commonly affects horses and ponies over the age of 15 and due to rising life expectancy rates, it is becoming increasingly prevalent.”

While PPID cannot be cured, a combination of changes in the horse’s management and medication can be used to help reduce the signs associated with the condition.

Coping with Cushing’s disease: a case study

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New hope for horses with Cushing’s syndrome

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“Early subtle signs are often difficult to detect which may result in delayed diagnosis and therefore increased awareness of the disease and its signs is vital,” said Ms Stanford.

“Signs can vary from horse to horse and some may be more obvious than others. They often include: muscle wastage, abnormal fat deposits and sweating, infections that are hard to treat, lethargy, laminitis, increased thirst and urination and an abnormal coat.”

Ms Stanford added it is important to contact your vet if you believe that your horse is suffering from PPID and further advice can be obtained from the BHS website.

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Spillers' equine nutritionist Clare Barfoot provides one H&H forum user with some helpful advice on how to add topline onto a horse who is a good-doer

Q: “I’m looking for some advice in what to feed my 14.2hh 20-year-old Welsh Section D with Cushing’s. He’s currently on top chop lite with senior lite balancer and he looks in good condition, but he doesn’t seem interested in the chaff anymore. I’ve looked at Happy Hoof, Safe and Sound and Healthy Hooves, as he’s also laminitic, but they all seem to be complete feeds, so I’m slightly concerned that he would lose his good condition coming off the balancer. He also has garlic and Brewers yeast, and Lami Guard and Prascend. I welcome any advice.”

A: Feeding a horse with Cushing’s syndrome (PPID) can be a tricky balance between maintaining ideal condition and muscle tone whilst reducing the risk of associated conditions such as laminitis. As laminitis can be one of the most difficult to manage side effects of Cushing’s it is important to manage your gelding similar to a laminitic. This means keeping the non-structural carbohydrate level (NSC= sugar, starch and fructan) as low as possible which in practical terms means limiting access to grass especially during high risk times usually during the spring and autumn months. Methods of grass restriction include using a properly fitting muzzle (although these should not be used 24/7), strip grazing or grazing in a sparse paddock. Care should be taken if you restrict the time out at pasture as ponies in particular are quick learners and can eat up to 1% of their bodyweight in 3 hours, which is approximately half of their typical total intake! If feeding hay or haylage it is advisable to have it analysed to ensure the NSC content is less than 12% on a dry matter basis. Soaking hay for up to 16 hours can also help to reduce its sugar content, although the extent to which the WSC is reduced is variable and can’t be guaranteed therefore analysing is always best.

Continued below…

Related articles:

• H&H forum: find out what H&H readers suggested
• Find out more about Cushing’s disease
• 12 ways to manage the diet of a horse with Cushing’s disease

When choosing a suitable compound feed look for feeds low in NSC and high in fibre with appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals to balance the diet and support an older horse. The diet you are currently feeding is perfectly suitable but if your gelding isn’t enjoying his chaff anymore you do have some alternative options. You could feed a complete chopped fibre based feed like SPILLERS HAPPY HOOF® or SPILLERS HAPPY HOOF® Molasses Free or if your gelding has really gone off chopped fibres you can opt for a low starch cube such as SPILLERS® High Fibre Cubes. Feeding a balancer provides vitamins, minerals and quality protein but is not needed if you are feeding the full recommended amount of compound feed which for your boy is about 2.5kg per day. Balancers provide negligible calories (energy) therefore removing it should not affect his body condition. If however you feed less than the recommended amount of compound feed feeding a balancer will help top up any deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. SPILLERS® Lite and Lean Balancer is ideal in this situation as it contains extremely high levels of lysine an important amino acid that is often lacking in forage based diets.

If your gelding does drop any weight look for feeds that contain calories coming from oil and fibre rather than cereal starch, such feeds may not say ‘conditioning’ on the bag but if in doubt call a company careline for specific advice.

For more information on feeding a horse or pony with Cushing’s call the SPILLERS® Care-Line on 01908 226626.

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Fat horses rule

A study by UK scientists has revealed a strong correlation between dominance and body condition in horses kept in groups at pasture.

The experiment involved more than 200 horses of mixed breeds, sizes and sexes in over 40 social groups, but no stallions. Every herd or group was living out full-time in winter.

During the study, all horses in the group were simultaneously given a bowl of food or pile of hay. Each feed station was far enough away from other horses to avoid problems with kicking. The groups were filmed and video footage analysed.

As expected, certain individuals finished their rations quickly and then moved on to approaching other horses that were still eating. By recording signs of dominance — such as ears back, head outstretched and bared teeth — and also signs of submission, such as moving away from the food as a more dominant horse approached, the scientists were able to rank horses for dominance.

They then analysed every horse or pony for age, sex, height, colour, breed, body condition and other factors. The strongest indicator of dominance was body condition. Animals that were in good condition or obese tended to be most dominant, irrespective of anything else.

Other, weaker correlations were observed. Middle-aged horses were generally more dominant, and there was less squabbling over food in groups where all the horses were about the same size. Overall, however, fatness was the best indicator of bossiness.

Are fat horses more dominant because their temperament always gets them the best grub? Or perhaps thinner horses perceive that fatter ones are more successful and just give in to them?

Could it be true?

Vets from Connecticut investigated whether the position and type of hair whorl on a horse’s forehead of a horse could be linked to his personality.

Experienced trainers assessed 12 horses and recorded their personality traits. Each horse was assessed by more than one trainer.

When the horses’ frontal whorls were analysed there was statistical evidence that whorl type and position either was, or was likely to be, an indicator of temperament. The study was very small and results were not absolutely conclusive, so more is being done to look into this. If it turns out to be correct, it’s an extraordinary finding.

Does Cushing’s disease predisposed to infection?

Horses with Cushing’s disease (pictured) the pituitary dysfunction now called PPID, tend to be more prone to infection than healthy ones.

For some reason horses affected by this hormonal condition have lower or less efficient levels of immunity against bacteria and viruses. We have not properly understood the reason for this link – why should an endocrine, metabolic disease make them more prone to developing a respiratory, skin or gut infection?

Certainly, PPID occurs more frequently in older animals and in ponies rather than horses, but generally ponies are more robust and less likely to get infections. There is no reason to think that middle age itself is a risk factor for infection.

Scientists in Oklahoma took blood samples from horses and ponies with PPID and extracted their white blood cells in the laboratory. White blood cells are an essential line of defence against infection; to engulf and gobble up invading bacteria and viruses they have to be able to find and to stick to the foreign invaders and to produce substances that kill the pathogens.

Horses with PPID do not have fewer white blood cells, but the scientists were able to show that these cells from affected horses had depressed abilities. In particular, their adhesion to foreign material was lower and their ability to produce a burst of zapping chemicals was impaired.

It looks as though some of the abnormally high levels of pituitary hormones circulating in horses with PPID are reducing the efficiency of their white blood cells and allowing infections to become established.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 9 July 2015

Cushing’s disease (which is also known as PPID, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction) is the most common equine hormonal disorder and is most often caused by an enlargement of the pituitary gland or a tumour affecting the pituitary gland.

There is no cure for Cushing’s but with careful management, appropriate nutrition and veterinary treatment, horses can have comfortable active lives for several years with the condition.

It’s helpful to remember that the best way to manage the diet of a horse or pony with Cushing’s is in a similar way as you would for a horse prone to laminitis.

How to manage the diet of a horse with Cushing’s disease

1. Try to keep your horse’s waistline in check. Aim to keep a body condition score of around 5 out of 9.

2. Avoid feeds that are high in cereals. This is especially true for horses and ponies in light work, those prone to laminitis or overweight animals.

3. Feed little and often. This will avoid large peaks and troughs in blood glucose and insulin.

4. Make sure the diet is fully balanced in terms of quality protein, vitamins and minerals. If you are feeding less than the recommended amount, add in a vitamin and mineral supplement or a low-calorie feed balancer.

5. Choose fibre based feeds that are low in sugar and starch and that are approved by The Laminitis Trust.

6. Have your forage analysed for water soluble carbohydrate (sugar plus fructans) which should be ideally less than 10%.

7. Soak your hay for 12-16 hours (no more than six hours in warm weather), which will reduce the WSC on average by 50%.

8. Make all changes to the diet slowly — this includes forage or pasture changes.

9. Keep meal sizes smaller less than 2kg per meal (less for ponies).

10. Consider using a nutritional supplement that may help support a healthy metabolism and/or immune system.

11. If weight gain is needed choose a high fibre and oil, low-starch based feed or contact a nutritionist for advice.

12. Make sure your worming programme is kept up to date. Horses with Cushing’s have been shown to have higher faecal egg counts.

Read more about Cushing’s disease

Recap on the 10 golden rules of feeding

You might also like:

23 feeds suitable for horses prone to laminitis

12 supplements formulated for horses on restricted grazing

15 feeds to help your horse gain weight and condition

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Horses that are prescribed the drug pergolide to manage equine Cushing’s disease are now banned from competing in all disciplines that have signed up to British anti-doping rules.

Pergolide mimics the effects of dopamine in the body and is used in the UK to treat Cushing’s – a disease of old age in the horse, which causes a hormonal imbalance.

However, the drug is prohibited under international equestrian (FEI) rules, which British Eventing (BE), British Dressage (BD) and British Showjumping (BS) and other bodies including British Riding Clubs signed up to last year.

The British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) national equine anti-doping and controlled medication rules committee (BEFAR) had discussed whether a theraputic use exemption (TUE) could be made for pergolide.

It would allow owners of horses taking the drug to compete with permission from their vet. But this hope was quashed last week.

This means riders like 21-year-old eventer Charlotte Mount of Canterbury and her 17-year-old pony Prince IX (pictured) can no longer compete affiliated.

And the Pony Club said he would have to be vetted before competing with them.

“Prince was diagnosed with Cushing’s in December last year and my vet put him on pergolide,” Miss Mount told H&H.

“I contacted BD as I was hoping to compete over the winter and was told a decision was due to be made by BEFAR.

“Before then BD allowed me to compete him with a medication form, but last week I received an email saying we cannot do anything any more, not even riding club.

“It’s a bit much for the FEI and BEF to say that a horse with Cushing’s is not fit to do anything and might as well be put down.”

And her trainer, New Zealand eventer Bruce Haskell, added: “This is a rule that is only going to affect amateur riders.

“Pergolide is not a performance-enhancing drug and, as long as the horse is fit to compete, I cannot see any problem with riders being allowed to use it.”

But BD sports manager Paul Graham said: “In order for Great Britain to compete in international horse sport, we have to have uniform anti-doping rules.

“We cannot be segregating the bottom of the sport from the top.”

This news story was first published in H&H magazine (26 April 2012)

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A new campaign to highlight the problem of Cushing’s disease has been launched.

“Talk About Cushings” aims to raise awareness of the condition in the hope that earlier diagnosis will lead to quicker treatment.

Cushings is hard to detect, with signs often misconstrued as a horse looking “poor” or having laminitis.

Redwings’ head of veterinary services Nicky Jarvis said: “Old age is not in itself a disease, so when a geriatric horse loses condition or appears unwell there is always an underlying cause.”

Studies have suggested that more than 15% of horses and ponies over 15 years of age are affected by the disease and that more than 80% of horses suffering from laminitis may have an underlying hormonal disease, such as Cushings.

The clinical signs of Cushings include reoccurring laminitis and an overly hairy coat or delayed shedding (hirsutism).

However blood testing is becoming more commonly used to detect the disease and confirm diagnosis.

The campaign, launched by drug research and development company Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica and supported by the British Horse Society, Redwings Horse Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare, allows owners £15 off a blood test with their local vet.

Vouchers can be found at www.talkaboutcushings.co.uk

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Cushing’s disease is now well recognised worldwide. It appears in older animals and causes retention of the winter coat, increased thirst, muscle wastage, weight loss and depression.

There has also been some suspicion that Cushing’s cases suffer more from intestinal worms than other horses, although until recently this has not been proved.

Vets at Oklahoma State University have studied the worm burdens of Cushing’s horses and their response to worming with ivermectin.

The Cushing’s disease animals were matched with healthy horses of similar type and age on the same premises.

The vets measured faecal worm egg counts from all the horses before treatment and then measured the faecal worm egg counts every two weeks for the next 12 weeks. The study showed no evidence of worm resistance to ivermectin.

The horses and ponies with Cushing’s tended to have higher worm egg counts before the treatment than their healthy counterparts but, significantly, the Cushing’s animals developed significant worm egg counts again more rapidly after worming than the healthy horses.

The research showed that age alone did not increase the susceptibility of a horse to worms, but having Cushing’s did.

The scientists concluded that horses with this problem should be more carefully monitored for worms and may need more aggressive worm control measures than healthy horses of the same age. Consult your vet before taking any action.

This is an extract from a feature on the latest veterinary research and developments, first published in Horse & Hound (9 September, ’10)

A US trial to test the effectiveness of natural remedies in helping equines with Cushing’s disease has discovered that the chasteberry plant (vitex agnus castus) could be effective in treating many cases.

The research into the treatment of 10 horses – aged between 13 and 23 – all suffering from symptoms of Cushing’s, took place over several months from winter through summer last year.

The report was published in the December issue of Horse Journal, a monthly equestrian publication in America.

Cushing’s syndrome is a collection of clinical symptoms, which are the result of hormonal imbalances. These are caused by overactivity of the pituitary gland or a tumour in the gland itself.

The most commonly recognised sign of Cushing’s is an abnormally long, thick curly or coarse hair coat that does not shed in the spring.

Chasteberry has already been used in Europe to control a variety of human reproductive problems, including PMS and menopause symptoms.

British manufacturer Equine Health & Herbal’s chasteberry-based product Hormonise was selected to be used in the trial and, in all 10 cases, improvement was found, with a rapid shedding of the abnormal coat and improved energy levels.

Typical symptoms of Cushing’s include:

• An abnormally long hair coat
• Thick curly hair that does not shed in spring
• Muscle wasting/ loss
• Sagging “pot – belly
• Laminitis
• Depression or low energy levels
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Abnormal fat deposits
• Enlargement of mammary glands in mares
• Eye tumours, blindness

NB: horses suffering from Cushing’s need expert supervision and treatment in consultation with your vet.

Aspen, a Thoroughbred/Irish Draught (not pictured above), enjoyed competing locally with his owner, art teacher Sue Williams for a number of years. As he grew older, Aspen became prone to slight periods of laminitis, but, in September 1996, he suffered a bout that Sue found particularly difficult to clear up.

Sue says: “Despite a carefully controlled diet, I presumed it was grass-induced.” In August the following year, Aspen again contracted laminitis, this time complicated by foot abscesses. “I started to read everything there was to read about laminitis,” she says, and again, through careful management, managed to overcome the problems.

At the age of 28, Aspen, once again showed critical signs of the disease. “I almost began to believe it was time to let him go, but I was reluctant as he is a horse with such a strong personality that I knew he wasn’t ready,” says Sue.

Sue’s farrier, Mick Joliffe, suggested taking Aspen to Richard Jones at the Bell Equine veterinary clinic. At the clinic, Cushing’s disease was suggested as the source of the problems. One of the vets looking after the case, Ingunn Risnes, says: “Cushing’s disease is more common in older ponies. Horses are not as susceptible, but Aspen was not a typical laminitis candidate, particularly as he was not overweight and he also had some difficulty shedding his coat, which is a common clinical sign with Cushing’s cases.”

Aspen had his feet X-rayed and blood tests were taken. Corrective farriery was decided on and heart-bar shoes were put on. Blood tests revealed Cushing’s disease and the vets decided to give Aspen pergolide – a “dopaminergic agonist” that works on the pituitary gland – more commonly used for humans, but selectively used on horses.

Ingunn says: “Cushing’s disease can cause varying clinical signs, from barely perceptible to serious illness. Careful management through correct farriery, diet and clipping come first in our approach. In a lot of cases, that is all that is necessary. Treating with drugs is expensive and we have to consider what is best for that particular case.”

A month later, Aspen was walking out and was more comfortable with careful foot support, good nursing and appropriate medication. However, unfortunately for Sue and her horse, the side-effects of the drug meant that Aspen’s appetite was suppressed for a few months.

“He ate his hard food, but was picky with hay. This, plus management to prevent any recurrence of laminitis, contrived to make him a little thin,” says Sue.

A year later, Aspen is able to be hacked out happily and is still fond of a gallop round his field when allowed. “The drug is expensive, but I wanted to keep Aspen as he seemed so full of life, and he still enjoys a good shy while hacking,” says Sue. This year, she hopes to forestall any recurrence of the problem, and she, the vets and her farrier will continue to watch Aspen carefully.