PPID

  • Question 1: What is PPID?

    Answer: PPID, short for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, is also called equine Cushing's disease. Read more

  • Question 2: What disease signs are commonly seen in horses with PPID?

    Answer: PPID-affected horses show a wide variety of disease signs that range from mild to severe. These signs may include a shaggy hair coat, laminitis, or fat pouches in unusual places. Learn more about Common Signs of PPID.

  • Question 3: Are some breeds more prone to developing PPID than others?

    Answer: PPID is seen in all breeds of horses, as well as ponies. The disease also affects both male and female horses.

  • Question 4: At what age is PPID usually seen?

    Answer: PPID is most often seen in older horses, but has been seen in horses as young as 4 years of age.2

  • Question 5: How is PPID diagnosed?

    Answer: Your veterinarian will diagnose PPID by looking at both the signs of disease your horse has and results of blood tests to check hormone levels. Hirsutism (long, shaggy hair coat), is the one disease sign considered to indicate PPID on its own. So, if you suspect something is not right with your horse, talk to your veterinarian. He or she may recommend either testing or treatment for PPID.

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PPID Treatment

  • Question 1: Is there a cure for PPID?

    Answer: No, there is no cure for PPID. It is a chronic, lifelong disease, requiring daily medical treatment. Treatment with PRASCEND can help reduce common signs of PPID and improve quality of life for affected horses. Learn more about PPID Treatment.

  • Question 3: When should horses be treated with PRASCEND?

    Answer: Your veterinarian will decide when treatment with PRASCEND should begin based on the clinical signs your horse shows and results of any needed diagnostic tests.

  • Question 4: Are there horses that should not be treated with PRASCEND?

    Answer: PRASCEND should not be given to horses less than 2 years of age or known to be hypersensitive to pergolide mesylate or other ergot derivatives.

  • Question 5:What about using PRASCEND in breeding, pregnant, or lactating mares?

    Answer: PRASCEND has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating animals. As PRASCEND is a dopamine agonist, it may interfere with reproductive hormones involved in these groups of animals.

  • Question 6: In addition to treating with PRASCEND, what else can I do to help my horse?

    Answer: Horses with PPID benefit from excellent general health care and nutrition management. Click here to read specific tips to help you get the best results from your horse's treatment program.

  • Question 8: How do I transition from a compounded pergolide to the FDA-approved PRASCEND?

    Answer: Due to the potential variations in compounded pergolide, it is recommended to begin at the PRASCEND starting dose, even if the patient was on a higher dose of compounded pergolide. Your veterinarian will prescribe the specific correct dose for your horse based on his or her individual needs.

  • Question 9: Are there any side effects reported with the use of PRASCEND?

    Answer: Potential side effects in horses include loss of appetite, temporary anorexia and lethargy, mild central nervous system signs, diarrhea, and colic.1 If your horse develops any of these side effects, contact your veterinarian and he or she will determine the right course of action.

  • Question 10: How long will it take before I see improvement in my horse after PRASCEND treatment begins?

    Answer: Generally, the horse will become more active within 30 to 60 days after treatment begins, and clinical signs will improve in about 6 to 8 weeks.

  • Question 11: What should I do if clinical signs or test results do not improve?

    Answer: If signs do not improve, see your veterinarian. He or she will determine if the PRASCEND dosage should be increased.

  • Question 12: Why does my horse need daily lifelong treatment for PPID?

    Answer: PPID is not curable, so daily treatment is needed to improve your horse's quality of life by reducing disease signs and the risk of other illnesses. The cost of PRASCEND is offset by the potential expenses you could incur from untreated PPID, such as laminitis, dental disease, and other life-threatening conditions.

  • Question 13: Why is it important that my horse have veterinary exams once or twice a year?

    Answer: Your veterinarian will monitor your horse's treatment and make any changes needed, as well as provide general health care needed to keep your horse healthy and happy. Click here

  • Question 14: Is pergolide allowed in equine competition situations?

    Answer: Pergolide mesylate, the active ingredient in PRASCEND, currently is considered a forbidden substance with regards to drug testing during horse competitions.

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About PRASCEND1

  • Question 1: What is the approved use for PRASCEND?

    Answer: PRASCEND is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)[link to FDA] to treat common signs associated with a disease called pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), which is also known as equine Cushing's disease.1 Learn more about PRASCEND.

  • Question 2: What are the benefits of treatment with PRASCEND for horses and their owners?

    Answer: Treatment with PRASCEND improves the quality of life of PPID-affected horses by reducing common signs and decreasing the risk of other illnesses that may be associated with PPID.1 Learn more about PRASCEND.

  • Question 3: What is the benefit for veterinarians and horse owners of having an FDA-approved equine pergolide?

    Answer: Unlike compounded pergolide, FDA approval gives you the peace of mind that PRASCEND is manufactured under consistent conditions and tested to the same standards as human drugs Learn more about PRASCEND.

  • Question 4: What is the difference between compounded pergolide and PRASCEND?

    Answer: PRASCEND is the first and only FDA-approved pergolide for horses. FDA approval ensures that PRASCEND has been shown to be safe and effective in extensive studies. PRASCEND is brought to you by a well-established manufacturer and produced at state-of-the-art facilities that ensure rigorous testing for stability in each dose, not from various compounders. Learn more about Treatment Considerations.

PRASCEND dosing and administration

  • Question 1: What is the recommended starting dose?

    Answer: PRASCEND is available only through licensed veterinarians. Your veterinarian will calculate the correct dose based on the needs of your horse and provide you with all dosing and administration information.

  • Question 2: What side effects should I look for if the daily dose of PRASCEND is not correct?

    Answer: Signs that a PRASCEND dose may need to be adjusted include lethargy, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. If you notice these or other unusual signs, contact your veterinarian right away and he or she will evaluate and adjust the PRASCEND dose as needed.

  • Question 3: Is it possible to treat my dog with PRASCEND?

    Answer: No. PRASCEND is for use in horses only. The disease is different in dogs or humans than it is in horses. Therefore, the treatment would not be effective.

  • Question 4: What's the best way to administer PRASCEND?

    Answer: Do not crush the tablet or you could be exposed to its effects. The tablet may be administered orally by dissolving in a small amount of water, with or without sweetener. Administer the liquid with a syringe or as a top-dressing on feed. After dissolving, the tablet should be given immediately. Or, PRASCEND tablets can be hidden in an apple or treat.

  • Question 5: What should I do if I miss a dose of PRASCEND?

    Answer: >If you miss a dose, simply give the next dose as scheduled. Contact your veterinarian if you have any questions.

  • Question 6: Is it possible to administer PRASCEND concurrently with other medications?

    Answer: Your veterinarian will advise you on concurrent use with other medications.

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Talking to your veterinarian

Remember, your veterinarian is your best source of information about your horse's health. Don't be shy about asking questions about PPID or any other conditions that may affect your horse. Be sure to call your veterinarian if you notice any unusual signs in your horse, particularly if you're not sure if they are just signs of normal aging. The problems your horse has may indicate a treatable condition, such as PPID.

Try using some of the Frequently Asked Questions listed above as a great start to discussing PPID or PPID treatment with your veterinarian. After all, next to you, your veterinarian is your horse's best friend.

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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. PRASCEND® (pergolide mesylate) [Freedom of Information Summary]. St Joseph, MO: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.; 2011.
  2. 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.
  3. McFarlane D. Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2011;27(1):93–113.