What is Cushing's Disease in horses? Hyperadrenocorticism, commonly known as Cushing's Disease, is usually caused by a benign tumor in the pituitary gland. The tumor puts pressure on the hypothalamus, causing the pituitary gland to produce massive amounts of cortisol. This throws off the balance in the endocrine system and greatly weakens the immune system. The disease is progressive and always fatal, though medication and early detection can add many healthy years to a horse's life.
Symptoms of Cushing's Disease
The earliest symptom of Equine Cushing's Disease is a coarse, wavy coat that doesn't shed in summertime. Additional symptoms include a sway in the back; excessive thirst and urination, with the horse drinking up to 20 gallons of water a day; a pot-bellied appearance and a compromised immune system.
Cushing's Disease is often thought of as a condition found in older horses. This isn't always the case. Horses as young as seven or eight years can develop the disease.
Treating Cushing's Disease:
If your horse shows the clinical symptoms of Cushing's Disease, a prompt evaluation by a veterinarian is needed. Tests can determine whether Cushing's Disease is present.
The tumor itself cannot be removed because of its proximity to the horse's brain. Over time, the tumor will grow and euthanizing the horse will be the only option. Drug treatments can slow the growth of the tumor, adding many healthy years to your horse's life.
Treatment involves daily use of drugs to control the levels of cortisol in the horse's system. Over time, the dose will need to be increased. Because of their weakened immune systems, horses with Cushing's Disease should be isolated from other animals.
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