cushings :(

[jessykai]

I just had my mare tested for cushings and it came back positive with ACTH levels of 43.2

I confess to not know much about cushings or the treatments available and haven't been able to speak to the vet in much detail as I was rather upset and couldn't think of the questions to ask etc. Rosie is 20-30 years old, and her quality of life is the most important thing to me rather than the quantity.

She came down with Lami (first time ever) very suddenly after one night on grass last friday.

What is the treatment for the condition?
and, would you put your horse through it if it were you? and why please.

Thanks

 

[splashgirl45]

theres lots of posts on here about cushings, your mares levels are not too bad, mine was diagnosed last aug.and level was 172 so a lot higher than yours.....your vet is the best person to talk to but drugs(prascend) can be given and seem to work on most horses. my mare seems ok at the moment but the drugs dont cure the problem they just control the symptoms so they can have a good quality of life.hope this helps..

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

A year ago my veteran cob (aged 27) was diagnosed with Cushings - his ACTH count was 200! He was very ill with many of the less well known symptoms of Cushings and pts was seriously being considered because of his quality of life. He was unable to control his body temperature properly, he was confused, mildly ataxic, was losing weight and had been seeing lying flat out in the field in the pouring rain while all the other horses sheltered under the trees. He couldn't remember where his stable was and he seemed distressed and unhappy. About the only thing he didn't get was laminitis! He was put onto first 1mg Pergolide (Prascend) then it was upped to 2mg daily and he was back to his normal self within about a week, although he still struggles with his body temperature and I had to clip him out fully because he didn't shed his winter coat.

Pergolide/Prascend is very safe and your mare's ACTH levels show only mild Cushings. I would have no hesitation in getting her onto a daily dose - she probably only needs 1mg per day - the dosage she will need has to be adjusted every spring and autumn. But remember that Pergolide/Prascend doesn't cure Cushings, it just controls the symptoms. The research shows that if they live long enough, all horses will get Cushings and, if they live long enough with Cushings, eventually ALL of them will get laminitis.

Cushings is caused by a tumour on the pituitary gland in the brain and the havoc it causes is because the pituitary gland is responsible for regulating the production of cortisol, the fight or flight hormone. Untreated, a Cushings horse's body is flooded with cortisol 24/7 and it's the effects of this that causes all the symptoms. I'd start your mare immediately on Prascend but be aware that it only buys her good quality extra years of life. And she will thrive on routine and a stress free life. At some point though, her symptoms won't be able to be controlled and her quality of life may mean it's time for her to be pts. You'll know when that time comes, and I don't think it's now. Start the Prascend and in 7 - 10 days she will be back to her old self though you will always have to watch for laminitis x

 

[lmuir]

Please speak to the laminitis trust - they were wonderful and so helpful when our mare was diagnosed with cushings and got laminitis.

 

[susiedoo]

I'm sure you are overloaded with info. about Cushings and don't want to add to your stresses but wanted to let you know the difference between Pergolide and Prascend. Pergolide was the 'human' drug that was used on horses until the drug companies created (or probably just rebranded for a moneymaking exercise!) an animal version of the same drug which is Prascend. Some horses are still being prescribed Pergolide but as this is a new diagnosis the vet will prescribe the animal version - Prascend. Hope this helps and try not to worry too much. My boy is on medication and very, very happy and healthy. I've just had his readings done for this year via a blood test and his readings are back down to 'normal'!! x