Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Glucose metabolism in a pony mare with a tumour of the pituitary gland pars intermedia.
- Journal:
- Australian veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1987
- Authors:
- Auer, D E et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health · Australia
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A pony mare was diagnosed with a condition related to a tumor in her pituitary gland, which affected her hormone levels and caused various health issues. She showed signs like excessive drinking, a shaggy coat, and overall weakness. Despite receiving insulin, her blood sugar levels remained high, and while her resting cortisol levels were normal, they didn't respond properly to a test that usually lowers cortisol levels. Tests showed that her body's response to glucose was different from that of a healthy pony. The treatment did not seem to work as expected.
Abstract
A case of pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism in a horse is reported. Clinical signs included hirsutism, polydipsia and general debility. The horse was persistently hyperglycaemic and glucose values were unchanged following subcutaneous administration of insulin. Resting cortisol values were normal, but dexamethasone suppression of cortisol concentration was shorter than normal. Plasma glucose, cortisol, insulin and glucagon concentrations were measured as part of an intravenous glucose tolerance test. The patient responses were different from those in a control pony.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3330656/