Equines Cushing Syndrom (ECS)

to nonmalgnant tumor comprised of melanotropes of the pars intermedia

of the pituitary gland.

Loss of inhibitory effect dopaminę and hypertrophy of melanotropes cause increased sectration of proopiomelanocortin and excessive quantities adrenocorticotropin hormone- ACTH

There is loss of normal circadian rythm of serum concentration of cortisol

85% of the horses are> than 15 years of age

Ponies

have a high incidence of the disease but all breeds can be affected

Lethargy
Weight loss/muscle wasting
Loss productivity
Regional adiposity
Excessive sweating
Affected horses are prone to

chronic infections such as sinusitis, dental disease, and sole abscesses. These conditions are caused by immuno-suppression that follows prolonged exposure to elevated levels of cortisol.
Horses with Cushing’s disease may experience recurrent episodes of laminitis (founder) with no other known predisposing causes.

and blood tests.
Affected horses may have elevated levels of

glucose, insulin, cortisol and ACTH in their blood.

Additional diagnostic tests include:
Dexamethasone supression test
Injection of dexamethasone given, mesaure cortisol on 19 hours
Administration of dexamethasone (a synthetic type of cortisol) to normal horses causes marked suppression of blood cortisol, whereas horses with Cushing’s disease have little to no change in cortisol levels in response to dexamethasone.

Mesaurement of serum concentration of ACTH

trilostan

Treatment for a life of horse

Medical management of affected horses

is usually a long-term or life-long commitment.
excellent management practices, including routine foot care, deworming, vaccinations, dentistry, and nutrition.