Cushings disease occurs in horses, dogs and even people. However, the symptoms are different, depending on the species. In horses it results in increased hair growth (longer, thicker, curly) whereas in dogs it results in hair loss and even bald spots. The horse version of this illness is called ECD (Equine Cushings Disease).
ECD is the result of excessive steroid production by the adrenal glands. This is caused by the pituitary gland producing too much hormones and thus over-stimulating the adrenals, which is usually the result of either tumor growth on the pituitary or age-related growth of the pituitary gland itself. Both changes of the pituitary are age-related, so ECD is most common in older horses (over 15 years) but has been found in horses as young as seven.
Cushings was first identified in explained in’21, by Dr. Cushing, after whom the disease is name. ECD is the equine variation of the disease first identified in humans by Dr. Cushing.
Different horses show different symptoms of ECD. The most common symptom is coat changes (longer, thicker, curly, failure to shed in Spring, becoming lighter in color). The heavier coat results in increased sweating as a secondary symptom, due to over-heating, especially in summer. The horse tends to lose muscle in its neck and back, despite increased appetite and eating more, while developing a pendulous abdomen. Diabetes often develops, with an associated increase in water consumption and urination. Laminitis always develops eventually. The horse becomes more prone to infections and slower to heal from external injuries due to a depressed immune system. The natural depressions above the eyes tend to fill in with fat.
Each of these symptoms could be caused by other illnesses, so it is often a combination of them which results in ECD being diagnosed. Urine and blood tests can be used to rule out other possible causes and to confirm the presence of ECD. Studies have found that many older horses (especially ponies) have ECD than are diagnosed. Consequently, greater care is required to identify ECD in the early stages, when controlling treatment is effective.
Although ECD is not curable, it can be treated. The most common treatment is the use of medication to reduce hormone production to near normal levels, thereby slowing down the development of secondary problems.
As cushings disease can result in the development of secondary diseases (e.g. laminitis, diabetes), the horse needs to be closely monitored for any symptoms of these, with appropriate and prompt treatment.
One should also maintain the horse’s quality of life by treating any symptoms which make it uncomfortable. For example, if the heavier coat results in the horse becoming too warm, one should clip the coat in spring or summer.
The article was written by Doug Stewart as part of his series.
categories: cushing,cushings,disease,horse,horses,equine,pets
