Cushing’s Disease in Horses: What You Need to Know

Have you heard about Cushing’s Disease in horses? You may have heard about this condition in humans. You may even know someone with the condition or recovering from the disease.

In humans, the disorder is a response to excess cortisol in the system for an extended period of time. Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands—and its production is managed by the pituitary gland.

Cushing’s Disease can also occur in horses. It can have effects on the overall health of your horse. Are your horses at risk? How can you recognize if your horse is impacted? What can you do to help an affected horse? Can targeted herbs for horses support their wellness?

Here are answers to these questions and some more insight into this disease.

What Is Equine Cushing’s Disease?

Equine Cushing’s Disease, also known as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction or PPID, is a response to issues related to the pituitary gland. It’s estimated that around 20% of older horses are affected by the condition. In some cases, horses may develop an enlarged pituitary gland, or the gland may be impacted by the presence of benign tumors.

When this happens, the pituitary gland may produce excess cortisol and other hormones. Over time, the body can respond to elevated hormone levels with varying symptoms, including:

• Changes in coat: Their coat may become long and wavy. The winter coat may not start shedding until later than usual. Or their oat can become dry and coarse.

• Weight loss: This can occur even if the animal appears to be eating normally.

• Excessive thirst: Your horse may start to drink significantly more water. This is also followed by excessive urination, which can lead to an electrolyte imbalance.

• Excessive sweating: Even in normal conditions or without activity, your horse may seem sweaty.

• Behavioral changes: This can include mood swings or lasting behavioral changes, such as lethargy and a lack of willingness to work or train.

Are Your Horses at Risk?

Risk factors can vary greatly. The best way to determine your horse’s risk is to consult with an equine veterinarian who can run tests and make determinations. That said, certain horses can be at more of a risk than others.

One major risk factor is age. Roughly 20% of older horses (as well as donkeys and ponies) may have PPID, typically over the age of 15. The condition can still occur in horses younger than 15, but generally, the younger the horse, the less the risk.

What Can You Do? 

If you notice any symptoms related to PPID or you’re concerned your aging horse may be susceptible to the condition, don’t hesitate to consult with your vet. In the meantime, you can include various natural horse supplements, including those specifically formulated for Pituitary Support for Horses, in their daily feed to simply support their overall health and wellness.

Supplement options range from hormonal support to temperament support. Some research indicates that horses at risk or that have PPID may be more susceptible to internal parasites. If that is a concern, horse dewormers may help address that specific risk and you can use it in addition to other supplements.

About Silver Lining Herbs

Nature is the source of many wonderful things, including all sorts of beneficial herbs. Now, you can experience the power of these plants, thanks to Silver Lining Herbs. Hailing from rural Buhl, Idaho—in the heart of horse country—Silver Lining Herbs has formulated a variety of human, dog, and horse supplements made with ingredients from Mother Nature. You can find everything from natural horse dewormers to liver support for dogs. You can even get excellent products for yourself and your family, like Silver Lining Herbs’ Immune Health Herbs. Since day one, Silver Lining Herbs has brought together nature’s most potent and effective natural ingredients to create all kinds of supplements to help you, your dogs, and your horses make the most of a healthy, happy life.

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Original Source: https://bit.ly/43B9dUT