# Horse Cushing's (PPID) in the UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-cushings-uk): Horse Cushing's (PPID) in the UK — Quick answer. Cushing's disease (PPID) is a common hormonal disorder of older horses, caused by changes in the pituitary gland. According to the British Horse Society, signs include a long, curly coat that won't shed, unusual sweating and laminitis. Your vet can test for it and prescribe pergolide (Prascend) — treatment is lifelong.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-cushings-uk): Horse Cushing's (PPID) in the UK — What is PPID?. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction — PPID, widely known as equine Cushing's disease — is a long-term, progressive condition caused by age-related degeneration of the pituitary gland. According to the British Horse Society and the Royal Veterinary College, the gland becomes overactive and unbalances the hormones controlling metabolism and many other body functions. It is one of the most common disorders of older horses — which is why UK vets and charities encourage routine testing of veterans.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-cushings-uk): Horse Cushing's (PPID) in the UK — Signs of Cushing's. | Sign | What you may notice | |------|---------------------| | Coat changes | Long and/or curly coat; failure to shed the winter coat in spring | | Sweating | Sweating that seems unusual for the weather or workload | | Thirst and urination | Drinking and passing urine noticeably more | | Energy | Lethargy, reduced performance | | Body shape | Muscle wastage (especially along the topline), pot-bellied appearance, weight loss | | Infections | Recurring problems such as foot abscesses or sinusitis | | Laminitis | Recurrent or unexplained bouts — a classic red flag | According to the RVC, excessive coat length, weight loss, increased sweating and excessive drinking and urination are among the hallmark clinical signs.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-cushings-uk): Horse Cushing's (PPID) in the UK — The laminitis link. This is the connection every owner should know: laminitis can be a sign of PPID. Redwings advises that horses and ponies with laminitis — particularly older animals and recurrent cases — should be tested for PPID and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), because treating the underlying hormonal disease is essential to stop the cycle of painful episodes. If your horse has laminitis with no clear dietary cause, ask your vet about PPID testing.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-cushings-uk): Horse Cushing's (PPID) in the UK — Diagnosis and testing. - Your vet takes a blood sample to measure ACTH — the main screening test for PPID - Borderline results may need further dynamic testing; your vet will advise on timing, as hormone levels vary - Free testing — the Care About Cushings scheme offers free diagnostic and monitoring ACTH tests for UK horses at participating veterinary practices; ask your vet about eligibility Regular re-testing matters after diagnosis too: according to the BHS, horses on treatment need ongoing blood tests to confirm they are on the right dose.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-cushings-uk