What Is It?
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Affecting older horses, the primary problem is with the pituitary gland—hypertrophy, hyperplasia and adenoma formation. There are high levels of circulating cortisol due to pituitary adenoma.
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PPID may result in glucose/insulin intolerance and altered carbohydrate metabolism due to high cortisol levels.
Presenting Symptoms
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Horses with PPID tend to be obese, prone to laminitis, have extreme hair growth that does not shed out in the spring and excessive fat deposits, particularly in the neck, over the wither, loin, croup, around the tailhead and prepuce.
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Some present as obese, but others may be thin and debilitated.
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Decreased muscle mass and tone can give an appearance of weight loss, but may actually mask excess body fat as evidenced by fat bulges above the eyes.
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Excessive water intake and urination may be observed.
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Immune system depressed and chronic infection problems may occur, such as chronic laminitis, foot abscesses, dental infections, pneumonia and parasitism.
Dietary and Management Recommendations
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Feed soluble fiber, moderate fat, controlled starch and sugar concentrates, along with mixed or grass hay.
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Overweight horses should be kept off lush pastures or muzzled. These animals can be fed hay and a protein, vitamin/mineral supplement if additional calories are not necessary.
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Magnesium deficiency may cause decreased insulin secretion, and many horses with PPID have low circulating levels of serum magnesium.
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Treatment with pergolide and cyproheptadine may be appropriate. Veterinarian diagnosis required.
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Routine exercise, regular turnout and maintaining appropriate body condition are extremely important to help to lower resistance to insulin.