In this episode internal medicine specialist Laura Javsicas, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, of Rhinebeck Equine, in New York, joins us to discuss pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, or more commonly “equine Cushing’s disease”). This syndrome results from an enlargement of the middle lobe of the pituitary gland, which leads to elevated levels of cortisol and other hormones. An abnormally shaggy coat is a telltale sign. Horses with PPID are also at a higher risk for laminitis. PPID is mostly identified in horses during their teen years and beyond, although onset can be earlier than we horse owners might recognize. Most researchers believe up to 30% of horses will develop the disease.
Listen as we cover:
- What is an equine internal medicine specialist?
- What is PPID?
- Clinical signs and how to catch PPID early.
- How veterinarians test for the disease.
- Treatment options.
- Management strategies.
- And how an equine nutritionist can help.
Thanks for riding along with us!