What is Cushing's Disease?

What is Equine Cushing's Disease?

Equine Pergolide Action is previously posted on our blogs and it pertains to a medication for Equine Cushing's Disease.  In order to understand why Pergolide is very important, you should understand the disease. 

What is Cushing's disease?  This disease is caused by a small non-malignant tumor located in the marble sized gland at the base of the brain.  This gland (pituitary gland) is responsible for regulation of hormones and other chemicals to control body functions. 

A horse with Cushing's disease usually develops this condition in the mid to late years of life; however it has been sometimes diagnosed in horses as young as seven. 

What are the symptoms?  The most common symptoms are:  (1) Sudden and extreme thirst.  The horse may drink 4 times more water a day then an average horse.  (2) Abnormal hair growth and shedding.  The hair may be heavy, coarse, and curly and does not shed in the summer.  (3) Swayback stance and a pot belly.  (4) Chronic laminitis. (5) Lethargic, sweat easily and tend to run high temperatures.

Owners of Cushing’s horses have a wealth of information and support at their fingertips. One such resource is the Equine Cushing’s discussion forum at Yahoo Groups. Topics include diet balancing, special nutritional needs, medication sources, laminitis (prevention, diagnosis and treatment) and research studies to benefit Cushing’s horses.