Equine Cushings Medication

Cushing's is a disease that affects older horses. As an imbalance in the body's hormone levels, Cushing's has obvious physical symptoms, though it requires blood testing for a true diagnosis. Although it's disfiguring, Cushing's on its own is not fatal. It is controlled through diet and management medication to give Cushing's horses long and healthy lifespans.

  1. The Facts

    • Cushing's disease is caused by a malfunctioning pituitary gland, which is responsible for monitoring the release of the stress hormone cortisol. When the pituitary malfunctions, it releases too much cortisol, which then triggers the horse's body to overreact in several ways.

    Symptoms

    • Horses that have Cushing's present with unnaturally shaggy coats. Horses lose muscle mass, become prone to laminitis, or acid build-up in the feet, have rapid tooth growth and decreased immune system functionality.

    Prognosis

    • Although Cushing's is a serious hormonal imbalance, it is treatable. Horses are put on a program of medication and lifestyle management, and can be maintained throughout their natural life span. Because the increase of cortisol actually compromises a horse's immune system, the horse is in greater danger from parasites and secondary infections than from Cushing's itself.

    Medication

    • Because Cushing's stems from an overproduction of cortisol, the most effective form of management is medication that restricts cortisol production. These medications may work to control the glands that produce and release cortisol, or to counteract the cortisol itself.

    Types of Medication

    • Pergolide mesylate is the most popular and effective drug in treating Cushing's disease. It is a dopamine activator that seeks to regulate the action of the pituitary gland by signaling it to stop releasing cortisol. This measures the amount of cortisol passed into the blood, and therefore restricts the horse's overactive body to natural levels of action. Pergolide can be used in conjunction with other dopamine-enhancing drugs like cyproheptadine and trilostane. Trilostane works to slow the production of cortisol, rather than slowing its release.