What is PPID?

PPID stands for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, but many people refer to it as equine Cushing's disease. Whatever you choose to call it, PPID is one of the most common diseases of the hormonal (endocrine) system that can affect your horse or pony.1 In fact, PPID affects as many as 1 in 7 horses and ponies over 15 years of age.2

PPID causes the horse's pituitary gland, which sends out hormones to control body functions, to work overtime. This can lead to a variety of problems for your horse, ranging from unexplained laminitis (lameness) to an abnormal hair coat to getting fat in unusual places, like around the eyes.

About PPID (equine Cushing's disease)

PPID affects both male and female horses, and no breed is spared! Although it's most common in older horses and ponies, PPID has been seen in horses as young as 7 years of age.3,4 Because the disease progresses slowly, early signs of PPID can be hard to spot. Sometimes, we may think our horses are just getting older or are having a few off days, when they really have a hidden condition that's causing them not to be themselves. Also, tests to diagnose PPID are not perfect, so it is possible to miss the disease until it reaches advanced stages and the horse shows more obvious signs.

You can help a lot by watching for early signs of PPID and asking your veterinarian to look deeper if you spot any of them. If PPID is caught early, special care and regular treatment can help reduce disease signs and keep your horse healthy and happy.

Important safety information

PRASCEND is for use in horses only. Treatment with PRASCEND may cause loss of appetite. Most cases are mild. Weight loss, lack of energy, and behavioral changes also may be observed. If severe, a temporary dose reduction may be necessary. PRASCEND has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating horses and may interfere with reproductive hormones in these horses. Using PRASCEND at the same time as drugs known as dopamine antagonists should be avoided. These drugs may diminish the effectiveness of PRASCEND. If your horse is especially sensitive to pergolide mesylate or similar products, PRASCEND should not be used. Refer to the package insert for complete product information.

References:

  1. Donaldson MT, McDonnell SM, Schanbacher BJ, Lamb SV, McFarlane D, Beech J. Variation in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration and dexamethasone suppression test results with season, age, and sex in healthy ponies and horses. J Vet Intern Med. 2005;19(2):217-222.
  2. McGowan TW, Hodgson DR, McGowan CM. The prevalence of equine Cushing's syndrome in aged horses. In: Proceedings from the 25th American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum; June 6-9, 2007; Seattle, WA. Abstract 603.
  3. Oke S. Equine Cushing's disease [fact sheet]. Beech J, ed.The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care. Lexington, KY: Blood-Horse Publications; 2010. Available at: http://www.southmountainequine.net/educational/documents/cushings.pdf. Accessed August 12, 2011.
  4. Schott HC. Pars pituitary intermedia dysfunction: challenges of diagnosis and treatment. In: Proceedings from the 52nd American Association of Equine Practitioners Annual Convention; December 2-6, 2006; San Antonio, TX.