{"id":13831,"date":"2022-09-09T10:04:23","date_gmt":"2022-09-09T14:04:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/?p=13831"},"modified":"2023-04-20T23:10:57","modified_gmt":"2023-04-21T03:10:57","slug":"when-to-euthanize-a-horse-with-cushings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/when-to-euthanize-a-horse-with-cushings\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Know When to Euthanize a Horse with Cushing’s"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cushing’s Disease is the result of an improperly functioning pituitary gland found at the base of a horse’s brain. It’s primarily seen in older horses and ponies, but it can arise in horses of all ages. The disease is not preventable, but it is treatable and a horse with Cushing’s can live a long life with proper care. Unfortunately, there comes a point in a horse’s life where the late stages of Cushing’s disease decrease its quality of life, and euthanasia may be necessary.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A diagnosis of Cushing’s Disease is not necessarily a death sentence for a horse or pony, but it does require more attention to its diet and care. A common medication goes a long way towards extending the lifespan of a horse with Cushing’s and keeps them comfortable. It comes down to knowing when to keep treating your horse and when to euthanize a horse with Cushing’s and end their suffering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should always work with your veterinarian when your horse is sick, but it’s helpful to become aware of your horse’s illness so that you can do your part in caring for them. Read on to learn more about Cushing’s and how you can maintain your horse after diagnosis.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    What is Cushing’s Disease? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Cushing’s Disease, or pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is a hormonal condition that results in metabolic changes in the horse’s body. It’s comparable to diabetes in humans as both are diseases that involve insulin resistance.<\/strong> The difference is that both people and horses can get Cushing’s Disease, but only people can develop diabetes as a result of Cushing’s Disease. A horse with Cushing’s is sometimes referred to as Cushingoid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cushing’s is most often seen in horses that are reaching their later years.<\/strong> A horse that’s predisposed to Cushing’s will start showing signs around the time it reaches 15 years of age and older, but it can affect horses at any stage of life. Genetics is also thought to play a role as some breeds are predisposed to developing Cushing’s. Ponies are most likely to develop PPID, but Morgans, Arabians, Paso Finos, Saddlebreds, and Quarter Horses are among the breeds most likely to be impacted by PPID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It’s unknown what causes a horse to develop Cushing’s Disease, but the physical mechanism is known and documented. The aging process is implicated in the formation of a tumor or enlargement in a specific part of the pituitary gland known as the pars intermedia. The enlargement of the area results in the production of excess hormones that control many of the body’s functions. The pattern of inflammation is different in each horse and can result in two confirmed Cushingoid horses showing entirely different symptoms from each other. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    PPID stops the production of dopamine, an essential hormone that meters hormone production. The disruption of dopamine production results in hormones flowing around the horse’s body unchecked. The excess hormones result in various disorders that affect the ability of the horse’s body to regulate itself. This results in  the classic signs of Cushing’s Disease that include a long, curly coat and laminitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Signs and Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n
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    The most well-known sign of a horse that’s developing Cushing’s Disease is the appearance of a long and curly winter coat that takes a long time to shed.<\/strong> This is usually preceded by a few winters of a long hair coat that seems like it takes forever to shed. Once the coat becomes curly, it’s a simple matter of getting a blood panel drawn by a vet to confirm Cushing’s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The clinical signs of Cushing’s Disease include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n