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What causes Cushing's disease
(PPID)
?
The hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which sit deep
inside the skull at the base of the equine brain, control
the production of hormones - the body's chemical
messengers. In some horses and ponies, neurones
(nerves) in the hypothalamus undergo progressive
degeneration and produce insufficient quantities of
a nerve transmitter substance (neurotransmitter)
called dopamine.
Dopamine acts as an 'off' switch for the pituitary gland.
When the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland is not
exposed to enough dopamine from the hypothalamus,
the ultimate outcome is the production of abnormally
high levels of hormones such as cortisol and ACTH
1
,
resulting in the clinical signs associated with the disease.
For this reason, equine Cushing's disease is also more
correctly termed equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia
Dysfunction or 'PPID'.
Cushing's disease
(PPID)
11
Old Friends...
Cushing's disease (also known as
Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction
[PPID]) is the most common hormonal
disorder of older horses and ponies.
Up to 20% of animals over 15 years of
age may have the disease.
Caring for the
older horse
A horse developing an abnormal coat that
is curly and overgrown is a clinical sign of
Cushing’s disease (PPID).
Cushing’s disease (PPID)
is a condition that
generally affects the older horse (over 15
years old).