Understanding and treating horse Cushing Disease

Cushing's disease is increasingly common in horses over the age of 15. A hormonal disease that can be dangerous to the horse. Cushing is not to be taken lightly in the horse, as the result of This pathology can be fatal. In this article, we help you understand the causes and symptoms of this syndrome. We also share tips for managing this disease and accompanying your horse. Did you know that in recent years, the number of horses over the age of 15 has increased by almost 40%. This increase in equine life expectancy is due to improved quality of care. But this also translates into an increase in diseases that affect older horses more specifically. This is particularly the case with Cushing's syndrome, which has experienced similar growth in the number of cases. This hormonal disease, very common in elderly equidae, is characterized mainly by woolly and hirsute hair.  

What is horse Cushing Syndrome?

  We talk a lot about cusching disease, but it's more like a syndrome. Cushing syndrome, which is also known under the acronym DPIP (for Dysfunction of the Pars Intermedia of the Pituitary) or DPIH (for Dysfunction of the Pars Intermedia of the Hypophysis)t hormonal disruption and more specifically an endocrine disorder. This disease is essentially related to the aging of the horse, and especially a gland of his brain: the hypothalamus (or pituitary gland). This is why Cushing's syndrome occurs mainly in horses over the age of 15. Prevalence of Cushingapproximately 21% of horses over 15 years of age et nearly 40% of horses over 30 years of age. Moreover, even if older horses are the most affected, younger horses can also develop the disease. The Morgan breed horses as well as ponies appear to be at greater risk of developing Cushing syndrome. But again, all races are concerned. Moreover, there is no predisposition by sex.  

The main symptoms of Cushing Syndrome

  Cushing syndrome in horses is a relative disease difficult to detect, because its main symptoms are discreet and not very specific. Most often, the affected horse will experience a decrease in energy, progressive weight loss, etc. It may also suffering from lethargyor even delayed or abnormal moulting on specific areas of his body. More advancedThe symptoms of Cushing's disease will be more marked. The most obvious of them is hypertrith (or hirsutism), The horse will develop an excessive coat, which usually starts with mues anomalies (late or a very thick hair regrowth after mowing). Gradually, the horse can have long, curly hairs all over the body.

  More than 1 in 2 cases the horse will also suffer from blunder. This inflammation of the foot is very painful. In the long run, the third phalange can even rock into the hoof and pierce it. You can also observe a melting of localized muscles and fatty deposits, giving his abdomen a distended appearance. The horse can also develop polyuria (or polydipsia), or a disorder that will cause him to urinate more frequently and in greater quantity, and excessive sweating. Finally, neurological disorders may occur. In particular the ataxia (a balance disorder), loss of sight, but also of narcolepsy (i.e. a sudden sleep). In summary, here are the different symptoms (isolated or cumulative) of Cushing disease that you can observe and that must alert you:

• Long and curly hair
• Difficult Mue
• Fork
• Fatigue, apathy
• Lack of appetite
• Amurement
• Urine more frequently
• Excessive sweating
• Balance disorder

 

What are the causes of Cushing's syndrome in horses?

  In a healthy horse, the pituitary secretes ACTH, a hormone that stimulates the secretion of cortisol by the adrenal glands. In turn, hypothalamus detects levels of cortisol circulating in the blood and ensuring regulation by releasing dopamine. Its main role is therefore to maintain the rate of cortisol circulating around a value that depends on the age of the horse, but also the time of day or season. Cushing's disease results in chronic increase in cortisol level circulating. It can be caused by a hypersecretion of ACTH associated with a malfunction of the control system. With age, the sensitivity of this regulatory system decreases and this is why the disease generally develops gradually. This can take several months or even years before the first symptoms appear. Hence the importance of to follow your horse well by a veterinarian and regularly track it past a certain age. Diagnosis of the disease by a veterinarian- observation of symptoms during clinical examination, and by some tests. The most reliable of these is the dosage of ACTH via a blood sample. Indeed, if he suffers from Cushing, the veterinarian may observe an increase in plasma ACTH. The dexamethasone suppression can also be achieved. In a healthy horse, dexamethasone (or synthetic cortisone) will reduce the plasma concentration of cortisol. If the animal has Cushing, it will retain a high plasma concentration in cortisol.  

How to manage a horse with Cushing?

  After diagnosis, there are treatments for the syndrome and the horse can be supported in several ways.  To beginit is important to discuss preventive measures, to limit the complications of the disease. For example, it is crucial to pay attention to the follow-up of vermifugation, vaccination and dental care of animals. Marshalry and food (by limiting to the maximum concentrated foods to avoid blunders) are also large points of vigilance for horses with Cushing. It is also advisable to mow the horse regularly in order to improve animal comfort and prevent possible skin diseases. In the event that the horse also suffers from blight, care will have to be taken to provide suitable treatments and targeted dietary supplements. For example, our laboratory offers you Detox Fourbure, a complementary plant-based food with detoxifying properties.

Supplementing a horse with Cushing's disease

You can for Cushing disease supplement your horse with Cushmix, a mixture of 10 dehydrated plants selected for their regulatory properties of the endocrine system. It will help support the body of your horse with hormonal imbalance. As a complement to, or as a relay to, these measures, in particular where supplementation with plants is not sufficient, medicinal treatment will be provided for control the evolution of the disease, and improve the daily life of the animal. It is usually based on pergolide, a molecule that mimics the effects of dopamine and will therefore reduce the secretion of ACTH and therefore cortisol (stress hormone). This treatment may lead to side effects (such as gastric problems as well as anorexia), it must be implemented gradually. A possible alternative is trilostane, which does not currently have identified side effects. However, these effects are less known and their effectiveness is not sufficiently proven. Moreover, its higher price can be a deterrent for many masters.  

How does Cushing syndrome develop in horses?

  Cushing's disease does not cure, medication should be taken for life. And in order to keep this pathology under control, regular monitoring of the rate of ACTH will allow to adapt its dosage if necessary. In the case the distribution of herbal supplements, Continuous distribution is usually required. When the animal's condition permits, a 2 week break every 3 months may be considered. In conclusion, it is quite possible to offer his horse with Cushing a good comfort of life. Subject to the introduction of medication or‘a herbal supplementation the condition of the animal requires it, and compliance with appropriate hygiene and food measures.