Cushings test & Prascend query

[asmp]

I’ve recently had my oldie tested for the first time for Cushings. He’s about 21/22 and I thought that his coat is a bit thicker than usual at this time of year. He’s has laminitis once a few years ago so I try and keep on top of his weight.

The test results have come back with a reading of 40, which I gather is over the limit but still pretty low. Vet has suggested that I try a month of Prascend to see if it makes any difference to him.

Would you try it or wait and test again in six months or a year?

 

[Tiddlypom]

What was the reference range (the limit) when he was tested? That varies from month to month.

I would be minded to trial him on Prascend now with a view of getting his ACTH levels under control before the autumn rise, which affects PPID horses much more than normal horses.

 

[Spiritedly]

My mare was originally borderline so I adjusted her diet and waited 6 months, she was still only slightly above normal so left her again and retested 6 months later. That was 5 years ago and she finally started prascend 2 years ago.
All horses are different but if yours is showing no other symptoms...mares only signing was taking longer to shed and her hair on her elbows and gaskin was longer than normal...I would probably wait and retest in 6 months, you can always change your mind and start treatment if you get worried.

 

[meleeka]

My mare was borderline and the vet who did the test said she wouldn’t treat. I’m going to speak to another vet as my horse does have symptoms and my previous experiences with horses on Prascend is that it makes a positive difference.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Mine was tested in spring he was borderline reading of 21 I think but he just didn't shed his coat and still looked wooly a few weeks back, my vet looked at him and said it wasn't normal so his just started on half a tablet.

I think like mine his coat is not right I would opt for a low dose now.

 

[Gloi]

I'd certainly try it, probably at 1/2 tablet a day. You'll soon see if it makes a difference.
If you decide not to, test during the autumn rise.

 

[asmp]

What was the reference range (the limit) when he was tested? That varies from month to month.

I would be minded to trial him on Prascend now with a view of getting his ACTH levels under control before the autumn rise, which affects PPID horses much more than normal horses.

I think (from the charts I’ve seen) the range is Between 28-30 for June.

 

[Tiddlypom]

I think (from the charts I’ve seen) the range is Between 28-30 for June.

There will be a specific reference range given by Liphook for the date that the blood was pulled. Your vets will have been told what it is when they got the results back.

It's handy to know it when making decisions, but as above I'd treat earlier than later. Horses can be a lot sicker with Cushing's than they appear to be, and the sooner they are started on the Prascend the better.

By the time more obvious symptoms appear, a lot of damage has been done.

 

[asmp]

There will be a specific reference range given by Liphook for the date that the blood was pulled. Your vets will have been told what it is when they got the results back.

It's handy to know it when making decisions, but as above I'd treat earlier than later. Horses can be a lot sicker with Cushing's than they appear to be, and the sooner they are started on the Prascend the better.

By the time more obvious symptoms appear, a lot of damage has been done.

That’s interesting to know. The vet probably did tell me the info on the phone but I can’t find the notes I made (if they made any sense that it!). I just remember the results were 40.