HORSES · Condition guide
PPID in horses: what real veterinary cases show
Equine PPID, also known as Cushing's disease, is a common endocrine disorder in older horses. It is caused by a dysfunction of the pituitary gland, leading to an overproduction of certain hormones. This condition can affect various body systems and is particularly prevalent in horses over 15 years of age.
Owners often first notice changes in their horse's coat, such as excessive hair growth or failure to shed. Weight loss, increased thirst, and frequent urination are also common signs. Early detection is crucial as it allows for better management of the condition and can help prevent complications like laminitis.
What vets typically check for
- Conduct a thorough physical examination focusing on coat changes and body condition.
- Perform blood tests to measure hormone levels, particularly ACTH.
- Consider a dexamethasone suppression test for further confirmation.
- Evaluate for secondary conditions such as laminitis through hoof examination.
- Initiate treatment with medications like pergolide to manage hormone levels.
Not a replacement for veterinary care. Use this to walk into the conversation prepared, not to self-diagnose.
Real cases from the veterinary literature
Peer-reviewed reports our semantic search surfaces for Equine PPID (Cushing's disease in horses). Click into any case for the full abstract — or run a personalised search with your pet's exact details.
- Infertility in an American Quarter Horse mare with cervical duplication.
Journal of equine veterinary science · 2026 · United States
A 13-year-old American Quarter Horse mare was brought in because she had been unable to get pregnant despite multiple breeding attempts. During a breeding soundness evaluation, the veterinarian discovered an unusual cervical shape, which was later confirmed to be a condition called cervical duplication. This abnormality was causing fluid buildup in her uterus, which likely cont
- Prepubic Tendon Rupture and Uterine Herniation in a Late-Term Kurdish Mare: A Case Report.
Veterinary medicine and science · 2026
A 14-year-old Kurdish mare, who was about 310 days pregnant, experienced a serious condition called prepubic tendon rupture, which is a rare but dangerous issue that can happen in late-term pregnant mares. She showed signs of being very uncomfortable, including a swollen belly, reluctance to walk, and her udder being pushed forward. Tests revealed that she had a fast heartbeat,
- Cardiac arrhythmias during intense exercise in Thoroughbred racehorses: frequency and association with subsequent race performance.
Journal of veterinary internal medicine · 2026
A group of 71 Thoroughbred racehorses was monitored for heart rhythm issues during intense exercise, and it was found that many had abnormal heartbeats, known as ectopic beats. These irregularities were present in 73% of horses before good race performances and 81% before poor performances. The study showed that the more ectopic beats a horse had, the worse its race performance
- Treatment of ventricular arrhythmias with oral sotalol in four horses.
Journal of veterinary internal medicine · 2026
This study looked at four horses with a heart condition called sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), which can cause serious problems if not treated. The horses were given a medication called sotalol by mouth, which is usually used to prevent other heart issues. Remarkably, all four horses showed improvement, returning to a normal heart rhythm or their previous condition wit
- Orthoflavivirus-associated neurological disease in a UK horse.
The Veterinary record · 2026
In this case, a horse in south-west England was diagnosed with a neurological disease caused by an orthoflavivirus, which is a type of virus that can affect the nervous system. The horse showed signs of illness, and the veterinarians conducted various tests to understand the problem better. They carefully examined the horse's symptoms and used specific diagnostic methods to con
- Endometrial Evaluation Using Video-Assisted Hysteroscopy After Uterine Prolapse Management in a Mare.
Veterinary medicine and science · 2026 · Brazil
This case report discusses a 6-year-old mare who underwent treatment for a serious condition called uterine prolapse, which can happen after difficult births. After the prolapse was treated, the mare received a combination of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and uterine washing to help her recover. Five days later, a special camera was used to look inside her uterus,
Frequently asked questions
- What causes PPID in horses?
- PPID is caused by a dysfunction in the pituitary gland, leading to an overproduction of hormones that affect various body systems.
- How is PPID diagnosed?
- Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure hormone levels, along with clinical signs and possibly a dexamethasone suppression test.
- Can PPID be treated?
- Yes, while PPID is a chronic condition, it can be managed with medications like pergolide, which help control hormone levels and alleviate symptoms.