What Causes Equine Cushings Disease?
A tumor in the pituitary gland can cause Cushing’s Disease in the horse as well as an imbalance in the adrenals (hyperadrenocorticism). The production and regulation of hormones is the function of the pituitary gland. The tumor is usually benign, but it creates an imbalance of hormones in the horse’s body. Excess hormones are produced. To date, the cause of the tumor itself is not known. Certain breeds of horse seem to be more prone to Cushing’s Disease. Morgans and ponies have a higher predisposition. Cushing’s has no favorite gender. Aged horses are more prone to the disease. Symptoms A thick, long, shaggy, matted coat of hair is the most noticeable symptom of Cushing’s Disease in the equine. Horses with Cushing’s do not shed out in the spring. Often they still have their coats well into the summer months. If there is excessive drinking, urination, recurring foot abscesses, loss of muscle tone and mass predominantly along the topline and rump (polydipsic and polyphagic), or laminitis
