As our horses enjoy a longer life and many live well into old age so the number of horses with Cushing increases as its more common in older horses especially ponies. It can however affect all breeds and ages. Cushing is caused by an abnormality of the pituitary gland that is situated at the base of the brain. This causes it to produce excessive amount of a hormone called cortisone, which is the body's natural steroid hormone.
Signs of Cushing
? Long thick curly coat, which may not shred.
? They may grow their winter coat very early or shred it early as the swelling at the gland puts pressure on the part of the brain that is responsible for seasonal hair loss
? An increase risk of laminitis
? Excessive drinking and urinating
? Increase appetite
? Raised heart rate
? Muscle wasting
? In mares their cycle may be abnormal ? Mare may not be able to conceive
? Lethargy
? Weight loss
Over a period of time an affected horse will show some or all of the above signs which are listed.
Treatment
Within the brain a substance called Dopamine is naturally produce which prevents the over production of hormones. There is another natural substance called Serotorum which has the opposite effect and produces to much cortisone.
Treatment will consist of using a drug which mimics Dopamine the most commonly used one is Pergolide which is given in tablet form or using a drug one of the most promising being Trilostane that will block Serotorum. Your vet will decide on which cause of treatment will be most suitable for your horse or pony. Both types of treatment will bring about the same results, keeping the amount of cortisone produce under control.
Management
The increase in cortisone in the body is similar to the effect of stress so to manage the condition we need to reduce stress levels as much as possible.
? Keep to a strict routine
? Ensure a comfortable quiet haven for the horse
? Avoid turning out with aggressive horses
? Keep feed and water easily located
? Clip out and rug in winter
? Groom well to help minimize skin diseases
? Keep hooves in good condition
? Check for signs of laminitis
? Minimize contact with new horses
? Immunize regularly
? Have regular dentist checks
? Feed only high quality easily digestible food
Treatment and management will be life-long as there is no cure for the condition. I know from my own experience as I had a old pony called Ringo who suffer with Cushing for many years but still live to the grand old age of 35 that horses can live a comfortable life for many years. The most serious complication is laminitis and this must be manage carefully
All the best
Sue
Work at home ideas and opportunities http://www.princehomebiz.com
green cleaning service Park Ridge ..Are you ready for a Boxer?The answer is "no" if... Read More
Our dogs are now, more than ever, a very important... Read More
You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More
Animal lovers come in all shapes and sizes. Undoubtedly if... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
==========The Scoop on Premium Dog Food========If you're interested in premium... Read More
The pet food industry, a billion-dollar, unregulated operation, feeds on... Read More
Many people want to make sure their family pet has... Read More
Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to... Read More
Training your dog to obey commands is an important part... Read More
Almost without exception, breeders will advertise that their favorite terrier,... Read More
Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar... Read More
Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More
The greatest benefits of ownership is knowing that your property... Read More
Anyone can put two dogs together and let them breed,... Read More
Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much... Read More
Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even... Read More
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More
Wether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort,... Read More
Author of Keep Fleas OffStill using all the chemicals you... Read More
Has your pet recently been coughing, eating less, or being... Read More
Can you comprehend a time when dog food, cat food,... Read More
Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels... Read More
"You've created your own monster, you know", my mother said... Read More
After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for... Read More
cleaning help near Bannockburn ..Was he the world's greatest horse trainer of all time?... Read More
Bringing home a new puppy, ushers in a wave of... Read More
"Where's the harm? My cat seems to enjoy chocolate and... Read More
Let me begin by saying that I am not an... Read More
The most common dog problems:Dog Owner's commonly ask me the... Read More
Many people feel that taking the time to train their... Read More
Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday"... Read More
Many people are searching for different means to have pets.... Read More
Dog House Training can be simpleTo start your dog house... Read More
Purebred dogs of all breeds can be found in shelters,... Read More
Without agility, the most muscular person in the world couldn't... Read More
Parachromis managuense has a bad reputation, just like many of... Read More
Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More
When it comes to the art of giving, a gift... Read More
Pet ContainmentIf you just recently became a pet owner or... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
I know there are differing opinions on the subject of... Read More
Canine Diabetes: A Serious Dog Disease That is Completely ManageableCanine... Read More
You can look at westhighland terriers and know if it... Read More
Grooming means taking care of the physical maintenance of the... Read More
If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or... Read More
It's beginning to get cooler and as such it is... Read More
Puppies and dogs, as mentioned, are social creatures. When they... Read More
Scientific Name: Botia macracanthus Other Scientific Name(s): Cobitis macracanthus, Botia... Read More
Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for... Read More
Pet |