Horse Diabetes & Cushings Disease

Horse Diabetes & Cushings Disease

 Horse Diabetes and Equine Cushings Disease Care for Horses in Brisbane, Ipswich and Lockyer Valley

 Ponies and ‘easy keepers’ are most at risk of developing one of these harmful conditions.

While radically different diseases, they are both endocrine (hormonal) disorders that may lead to the development of laminitis.

Equine Metabolic Syndrome commonly affects horses from five years of age, while Equine Cushings Disease most often afflicts older horses, aged 15 years and above. With no known cures, an ongoing management plan should be devised by a veterinarian.

Causes 

Equine Metabolic Syndrome is caused by abnormal hormone production, which disrupts a horse’s normal response to the hormone insulin. As a result, the horse can no longer metabolise carbohydrates properly, which can trigger laminitis.

Similarly, Equine Cushings Disease is caused by a hormonal imbalance, but within the pituitary gland. A horse with this condition faces a number of difficulties, including susceptibility to laminitis, infertility, delayed wound healing, recurrent foot abscesses and bacterial infections.

Signs & Symptoms 

Horses suffering from Equine Metabolic Syndrome:

• Are insulin resistant
• Are prone to or have laminitis
• Show abnormal fat deposits

Horses suffering from Equine Cushings Disease:

• Have long, curly hair (hypertrichosis)
• Experience changes in body conformation
• Experience changes in attitude, including lethargy
• Have laminitis
• Show abnormal fatty deposits
• Drink and urinate excessively
• Suffer from recurrent infections
• Suffer from abnormal sweating
• May have reproductive problems
• May have neurologic problems
• Show decreased performance

Treatment Options

 Treatment for Equine Metabolic Syndrome includes:

• Diet management
• Reducing pasture intake
• Increasing exercise
• Preventative health care

Treatment for Equine Cushings Disease includes:

• Administering medications
• Diet management
• Preventative health care

Your Next Steps

If you suspect your horse is suffering from Equine Metabolic Syndrome or Equine Cushings Disease, call us today on (07) 5411 4554 to speak with a qualified veterinarian about a treatment plan. For after hours emergency assistance, call 0488 98 98 36.