cushings medication? (quick question)

[LittleMouse]

if a horse is diagnosed with cushings, does it necessarily need medication? or can it be left for a while without etc.?
(clueless)

 

[russianhorse]

I've heard there is a herbal solution, but after debating for about a week I put Dizzy on the prascend

I'm assuming it was the best decision, as he is showing no signs of cushings at all

Sorry haven't answered your question OP, as new to cushings myself

 

[LittleMouse]

thats ok that is the medication most people tend to use isnt?

pony hasnt actually been diagnosed yet, but has puffy eyes and a few other syptoms so saving up for blood test x just wondering in general really....because obviously if he has it now it may be a few months before he is diagnosed so im just worrid if he does have it, it will get worse in this time? and whether he will need medication yet?
obviously all depends on if....

 

[russianhorse]

Yeah, I asked vet at time of her taking bloods (she just routinely took them as Dizzy is 23 and suffered badly with mudfever fof the first time in the 19 years I've owned him) what would be thd best course of action IF he had cushings. She advised there was a herbal alternative, but nothing scientific to support if works or prascend

Unfortunately he ended up being positive to having Cushings, but as I say shows no other symptoms at all

After mulling it over (I was worried if would re-kick off his EMD) I decided that I should put him on the tablets to get on top Iv thd cushings before he started to suffer from it

It's a blinking hard decision to know what's best to do x

 

[muff747]

At this time of year, there shouldn't be any risk of your pony getting worse because the levels of ACTH in the blood are generally falling until late April. Then it begins to increase gradually up to the highest (danger) levels in November so if you have got through the winter without a bout of laminitis, it should be safe to wait. In fact some people wait to have the blood test done in spring because if the level of ACTH is above normal then, it is a definite diagnosis of Cushings, or PPID.
If you're on Facebook, there is a page with information about it.

 

[canteron]

In my case I found that the medicine was a godsend.

Also, the horse had much more control of its appertite (one of the symptoms of Cushings can be an uncontrollable appertite) and I haven't had an abcess with him since, so it's arguable that what I spend on tablets I save on forage,vet wrap, etc.

 

[Vintage]

It depends entirely on the horse or pony. I wouldn't trust the herbal method for severe cases. Mine spent a year before he went onto medication as other than a slightly wavy coat, he was living a normal & happy life. He's doing so much better. Just keep your eyes open if you opt to not medicate, you may be very surprised by the results you get though. Best of luck

 

[amage]

If you are having to save up for a blood test which is not that expensive how do you propose paying for any treatment that your horse may need?! If you think there is something wrong (and it could be something other than cushings) the animal needs diagnosed and treated as a matter of welfare. If finances are an issue then talk to your vet, explain you need horse seen and want to pay over a set period of time. Don't leave poor horse with symptoms because if you have to save up a few months for an inexpensive blood test then treatment will take a year to save for

 

[Copperpot]

My friends pony is on pergolide (think that's correct spelling) and its helped her no end. Expensive thou, she's just gone up to 3 tablets a day which is approximately £80 a month.

 

[LittleMouse]

If you are having to save up for a blood test which is not that expensive how do you propose paying for any treatment that your horse may need?! If you think there is something wrong (and it could be something other than cushings) the animal needs diagnosed and treated as a matter of welfare. If finances are an issue then talk to your vet, explain you need horse seen and want to pay over a set period of time. Don't leave poor horse with symptoms because if you have to save up a few months for an inexpensive blood test then treatment will take a year to save for

im saving because im only 15! i have a job so should be able pay for the medication....but havent got enough yet as just spent my wages on xmas presets. the only symptoms he has are slight bulges above the eyes and a cresty neck...but he is overweight so couldjust be that. i wouldnt exactly call him a 'poor horse' x

 

[muff747]

im saving because im only 15! i have a job so should be able pay for the medication....but havent got enough yet as just spent my wages on xmas presets. the only symptoms he has are slight bulges above the eyes and a cresty neck...but he is overweight so couldjust be that. i wouldnt exactly call him a 'poor horse' x

I would firstly get his weight down before you start worrying about Cushings. TBH, I have read that they estimate that the majority of equines over the age of 20 will have Cushings.
That doesn't mean all of them will be suffering, in fact many equines live for many years with PPID with or without symptoms and without any apparent ill effects.
On my yard, there are two ponies over 30 and two over 20. My 24 yo has no outward signs of PPID but was diagnosed with blood tests and is on Pergolide, the other 25 yo has a long coat and occasionally suffers with eye infections but otherwise is happy-not tested.
The two 30+ yo are bumbling along, eating well, a bit stiff and seemingly happy in retirement, and are almost certainly PPID, not tested.
What I'm trying to point out is if they are otherwise happy and active, and you are aware of the symptoms and you watch them like a hawk for any signs of laminitis, if you haven't the funds then you take the risk.
If the dreaded day comes and they succumb to the disease, then you have to decide whether to let them go or try to save them by beginning medication, but by then it may be too late. Good luck which ever you decide.

 

[Patterdale]

Mine was diagnosed last summer. I medicated him until October then stopped it, and ill start it again when the grass comes through.
I don't believe that large amounts of medication every day does their gut any favours, and mine is only 16.