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).
As a horse ages, there is an increasing tendency for the pituitary gland to develop tumors or to grow too large, resulting in it producing more hormones. This in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to produce additional steroids and when the level of steroids becomes excessive it results in cushings. Since these changes are age related, ECD is most often found in 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.
The most common symptom of ECD is coat changes (becoming curly, thicker, longer, failure to shed, lighter in color). Sweating tends to increase as a result of the heavier coat. There is muscle loss in the back and neck, even when the horse increases its food intake. Laminitis eventually develops. Diabetes usually develops, with the result that the horse drinks and urinates more than normal. Due to the immune system being depressed, the horse is more prone to infections and slower to heal from injuries. The depressions over the eyes tend to disappear due to fat deposits.
Any of these symptoms can be caused by a variety of illnesses other than ECD. Consequently, blood and urine tests are normally used to confirm that the cause is ECD (e.g. by measuring hormone levels and hormone response levels) and to rule out other possible diseases. Studies have shown that many horses with ECD are either not diagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed (the symptoms are incorrectly attributed to a different disease), with the result that they do not receive appropriate treatment.
Unfortunately it is not possible to cure ECD. However, one can slow the disease by the use of medication to reduce hormone production to normal levels. Note that some of these medications have strong side effects, so appropriate testing and control is required to prevent secondary illnesses (e.g. liver disease).
One also needs to watch for symptoms of secondary diseases, such as laminitis or diabetes, which are more common in horses with ECD. These need to be treated promptly to prevent them from further damaging the horse's health.
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.
As a horse ages, there is an increasing tendency for the pituitary gland to develop tumors or to grow too large, resulting in it producing more hormones. This in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to produce additional steroids and when the level of steroids becomes excessive it results in cushings. Since these changes are age related, ECD is most often found in 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.
The most common symptom of ECD is coat changes (becoming curly, thicker, longer, failure to shed, lighter in color). Sweating tends to increase as a result of the heavier coat. There is muscle loss in the back and neck, even when the horse increases its food intake. Laminitis eventually develops. Diabetes usually develops, with the result that the horse drinks and urinates more than normal. Due to the immune system being depressed, the horse is more prone to infections and slower to heal from injuries. The depressions over the eyes tend to disappear due to fat deposits.
Any of these symptoms can be caused by a variety of illnesses other than ECD. Consequently, blood and urine tests are normally used to confirm that the cause is ECD (e.g. by measuring hormone levels and hormone response levels) and to rule out other possible diseases. Studies have shown that many horses with ECD are either not diagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed (the symptoms are incorrectly attributed to a different disease), with the result that they do not receive appropriate treatment.
Unfortunately it is not possible to cure ECD. However, one can slow the disease by the use of medication to reduce hormone production to normal levels. Note that some of these medications have strong side effects, so appropriate testing and control is required to prevent secondary illnesses (e.g. liver disease).
One also needs to watch for symptoms of secondary diseases, such as laminitis or diabetes, which are more common in horses with ECD. These need to be treated promptly to prevent them from further damaging the horse's health.
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.
About the Author:
Dr. Douglas Stewart is the owner of Horse Care and author of Cushings Disease in Horses article
