Cushings

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Marchtime

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So my Mum and I are fairly certain my old pony (the grey in my sig) has cushings. She is now 24yrs old and fully retired. She lives out. Her coat is very long, thick and curly. There are no other obvious signs but she has slowly put on weight. Just wanted some advise really about what to watch out for. I know it makes them more prone to lami although *touch wood* she has never had it yet but will try and keep some of the weight off her. Any information very welcome!
 
Try and get a vet to diagonse?
We have a pony that was recently diagnosed with cushings and is now being treated accordingly.
Brighteyes, Jakesmydog and Eaglestone have all been a great help (thanks to you all!) with advice when ever needed so its them you really need to wait for a reply from!
 
Probably a very ill informed thing to say (hence why I'm asking for info and advice) but if she's showing no illness or problems is there any need to get a diagnosis and treatment? I only ask because she is older and retired and does not appear in pain etc. I'll happily spend money on vets if she needs them but just wondering what the benefit to treatment was?
 
Hi There!! I am fairly sure that my old pony (30 years old) also has very mild Cushings as he pees quite alot. His coat is not too bad and is otherwise extremely well.

I personally have not bothered with getting a diagnosis although this is fairly easy with blood sample but it does involve 2 vets visits as they inject them on day one & on day 2 take a blood sample to see how the body has reacted to the injection. I feel that whilst my boy is well & holding his condition there is no need to treat him.

I think the main things to watch for are A) Laminitis, as you have mentioned B) Never treat her with a steroid as the body is unable to cope with this (you can google why!!)
C) Dont feed too much oil as Cushionoid horses are unable to process this in the same way as 'normal' horses. A feed company helpline told me this....

I think a very large proportion of older horses/ponies suffer from Cushings. Personally I would have a quick chat with the Vet about this the next time they are out to look at something else.
J x
 
Hi Joss,
See I'm of the same view. We've had her twelve years and she's never had any problems. She isn't fed (doesn't need it!) but I'll remember the steriod thing, thanks. Will definitely try and get some of the weight off her this winter but she is a nightmare. She's currently going through our electric fence despite the fact that it is working and jolly painful. Nothing else will go near it!
I'm sure the vet will be out to Jesper very soon so I'll have a quick chat then thanks.
 
In this case, if it ain't broke, don't fix it but keep a close eye on her for any deterioration in health and address all routine horse management procedures especially well.

Good luck. Laminitis is the real killer element of Cushing's...
frown.gif
 
Please please please get your horse tested. Many horses live many happy years after being diagnosed, but unfortunately this was not the case for my Lacey (RIP darling) I noticed she was drinking more and the dips above her eyes were filled. Got her tested, which came back positive, before Id even started her on Pergolide she got Laminitis. She pulled through it, but was not so lucky the second time.

No two horses are the same. How guilty would you feel if you didnt get her tested and she went down with Laminitis.
 
Shell, thank you and I'm sorry for your loss. However, knowing whether or not she has Cushings will not prevent her getting lami. I am careful to try and keep the weight off her and I will be more careful this spring but regardless of whetehr she has Cushings or not I don't want her overweight and at risk. I'm struggling to see how a diagnosis alone would prevent lami? Surely if I manage her assuming she has Cushings this will be enough?
 
All cushings horses get Laminitis, so if you start medication such as Pergolide it can help keep it at bay (if on the correct dosage).
 
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