cushings disease in horses equine cushings disease
Cushing's Disease in Horses (Equine Cushing's Disease)
Equine Cushing's disease occurs in horses in their later years, but recently it has been found in young horses too. This disease can be treated and horses can live a good life. This article gives more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Excessive thirst and urination: An affected horse drinks 20 gallons of water, whereas a normal horse drinks 5-8 gallons.
- Coat: The horse's coat does not shed, and it becomes wavy, hard, and heavy.
- Change in appearance: Loss in weight, dull eyes, hay belly.
- Increased glucose level: Blood and urine contain increased levels of glucose.
- Infections: Due to improper functioning of the immune system, the horse suffers from various infections
- Laminitis: Older horses show symptoms of laminitis.
- Neurological problems may arise due to increase in the size of the pituitary gland.
- Blood test: This test may produce results like increased blood sugar level (120 mg/dl to 300 mg/dl) and blood fats, anemia, etc.
- Urinalysis: It may reveal Glycosuria and ketonuria (very high level of glucose and ketones in urine).
- DST- Dexamethasone Suppression Test: There are two steps involved in this test. First, a blood sample is taken to determine the level of cortisol. Then, dexamethasone is injected. The dexamethasone suppresses the adrenal gland to secrete less cortisol. A blood sample is taken again after 24 hours. Both samples are compared to check the change in the level of cortisol. In normal horses, there is a marked reduction, whereas affected horses show very less reduction. This test is most commonly used by vets to detect the disease. A new method, which involves a combination of DST with TRH (thyrotropin releasing hormone) stimulation test is now carried out.
- ACTH stimulation test: This is another method of testing cortisol levels. One unit of ACTH is injected per kg of body weight. Affected horses show a four times rise in cortisol, while normal horses show only a doubled rise. This test is not that reliable when compared to others.
- The coat should be trimmed in summer since the horse is unable to shed it.
- If the horse has skin infections, use of an antibacterial gel is recommended.
- The blood test may help in deciding the diet of the horse so as to avoid an increase in sugar level.
- Proper dental care and vaccinations are a must.