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Equine Cushings Disease In Horses
This is also called Hyperadrenocorticism and it is caused by a disorder of the Endocrine System, in particular an adenoma (tumor) of the anterior Pituitary gland which causes the horses hormone levels to become imbalanced.
The Endocrine System
This controls the secretion of hormones which can be put directly into the blood or through the lymph system to all around the horses body. It controls growth, tissue function and development as well as helping to regulate the horses metabolism. The glands within the Endocrine system are the Pituitary also known as the master gland, Thyroid and Adrenal glands.
The Pituitary Gland
It is the anterior pituitary gland that causes Cushings Disease as it controls hormone secretion which in a horses with Cushings disease is overactive. This over activity is because the hypothalamus secretes less dopamine than it is supposed to causing the pituitary gland to increase in size.
The major hormones secreted are Folicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinising Hormone (LH), Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), Endorphins, Growth Hormone (GH), Prolactin and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
Symptoms Of Cushings Horses
Horses with Cushings disease can have one or all of these symptoms to start off with, often showing more symptoms as time goes on.
- The horses coat becomes thick and curly and will often not shed in the summer.
- The horse may suffer from patchy sweating often on the flanks.
- The horse may suffer from Laminitis.
- Horses who suffer from Cushings are more susceptible to infections for example bronchitis a respiratory infection.
- The horse may drink excessive amounts of water.
- The horse may urinate frequently.
- The top line muscles will deteriorate and the back will often dip in the middle causing the horse to become sway backed.
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Testing For Cushings
- Looking for the listed classic symptoms of Cushings Disease is sometimes enough for diagnosis.
- The Dexamethasone Suppression Test. When administered a horse with Cushings will not try to suppress this drug when given as a horse without Cushings would.
- Measuring the amount of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) concentration that is present in the blood, the levels will be high in horses with Cushings.
- Measuring the amount of Insulin that is present in the blood, this will be high in a horse with Cushings.
- Measuring the amount of cortisol that is present in the blood, this will again be high with Cushings.
- Blood testing for Hyperglycemia which will shows excessive glucose levels circulating in the blood.
Treatment Of Cushings
- Management of the symptoms is essential in order to help the horse.
- Horses who get a thick curly coat can be clipped out during the summer months in order to make them more comfortable.
- Ensure that appropriate rugs are put on to help prevent the horse from getting a chill and therefore make them more likely to succumb to an infection.
- Correct feeding regime to assist the horse in keeping its weight at an appropriate level.
- The use of drugs, for example a dopamine based drug to help balance the hormone levels.
- The use of specially prepared herbal remedies such as the use of the Chaste tree berry ( also called vitex agnus castus extract) may also be of help in some cases.
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