What does PPID stand for?
Pars Pituitary Intermedia Disfunction
What does it mean?
Pars Pituitary Intermedia is the portion of the horse's brain towards the bottom near the brain stem that regulates hormones.
Disfunction refers to the state of it not functioning properly and becoming enlarged and over producing hormones.
How does this affect the horse?
The hormones that are over produced include:
ACTH: Stimulates cortisol production
Dopamine: Behavior and motor skills
Cortisol: Regulates stress, metabolism and immune system function
High ACTH in horses: Delayed shedding, muscle wasting, increased thirst and urination.
Delayed shedding causes over heating
Increased urination and thurst cause electrolyte imbalance
Muscle wasting can impare motorskills
Laminitis due to regulation imbalance
How is this treated? Can it be cured?
There is unfortunately no cure. This can affect horses as young as 2 years old and as old as 20. The best form of treatment is systemic management.
Yearly or bi yearly blood work to know your horse's hormone levels
Body clip once or twice a year in warm weather seasons
Vitamin and electrolyte balanced diet
Always provide water
Regular farrier vists
Yearly x rays of hooves to monitor for laminitis
Vet may recommended Pracend to bring ACTH numbers into a manageable level along with supplementation
Keep them active and promote strong muscle
Consulting with your vet is always best when caring for your horse. If your concerned about your equine having Cushings/PPID schedule your testing with your vet.
If it does show positive and your horse has a thermoregulation issue call us and schedule a body clip.
