Rider who lost horse to Cushing’s diagnosed with the same condition
‘Horsey people think I must have a long curly coat and am a bit sweaty’
Cushing’s disease
Equine Cushing’s disease is often confused with the normal ageing process in horses, but it is caused by the abnormal enlargement of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. This gland controls the nervous system, which produces the chemical messengers (hormones) that affect other parts of the body. In Cushing’s disease, an excess of these hormones are produced, confusing the rest of the body, particularly the adrenal glands.
Signs of equine Cushing’s disease include:
- Excessive thirst (or polydipsia)
- Excessive urination (or polyuria)
- Weight loss and muscle wastage, with loss of topline in particular
- Sway backed or pot-bellied appearance
- Abnormally long, ‘curly’ coat
- Persistent sweating
- Extra fat accumulating around the eyes (giving a ‘pop-eyed’ appearance)
- Increased appetite without any obvious weight gain
- Laminitis
- Persistent infections, often involving the skin, feet or respiratory system
- Lethargy and dullness
- Production of milk in mares who have not had a foal
- Infertility
The signs suggest that it would be easy to recognise Cushing’s disease, but because these changes come on gradually owners often assume their horse is just growing older rather than developing an illness.
Find out more about Cushing’s disease in horses
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Limited time left to claim free Cushing’s lab test
The voucher is available to owners to help support their vet with the diagnosis
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Horse & Hound question of the week: 'Cushing's Syndrome — what signs should I look out for and how can I manage it?'
Rick Farr of Farr & Pursey Equine Vets shares his expert advice on Cushing's Syndrome
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pony nuts, horse feed How do I feed my pony with Cushing’s disease? Spillers explains... *Promotion*
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
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Cushing's disease: diagnosis, treatment and prognosis *H&H VIP*
The assumption that only old ponies develop this hormonal disorder means that many horse owners are missing the vital signs. Every breed, any age is at risk — Roger Lee MRCVS explains why it might be time to test for Cushing’s
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What's new in the veterinary world? *H&H VIP*
Peter Green MRCVS presents the latest scientific research — from how hair patterns can reveal a horse’s personality to who’s boss of the herd
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Free lab fees for Cushing's tests are back! [Promotion]
Find out how you can save the lab fees when getting your horse tested for Cushing's disease
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12 ways to manage the diet of a horse with Cushing’s disease
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
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"Cushins" supplement launched by Equine America
Equine America has launched a new supplement, "Cushins", that claims to assist horses in restoring a natural hormone level
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Drug to control Cushing's disease banned
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
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"Talk About Cushings" campaign launched — £15 off blood tests
Owners concerned that their horse has Cushings can get £15 off a blood test thanks to the newly launched "Talk About Cushings" campaign
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Cushing’s disease means more regular worming
Why horses with Cushing's disease may need more aggressive worm control measures
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Understanding Cushing’s disease in horses
New research shows that many more horses suffer from Cushing's Disease than was initially thought, although not all exhibit the classic symptoms of a long curly coat
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New hope for Cushing's syndrome victims
Herbal treatment proves promising in US trial
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Coping with Cushing's disease: a case study
Find out how treatment usually used for humans put this Cushing's disease sufferer back on his feet
