Mercy for cushings horses

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Zargon_91

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Unfortunately today I had my 26 yo cob pts. He was diagnosed with cushings disease last year and has been on pergolide since. His cushings was carefully managed and it was believed we caught it relatively early- his ACTH was at 129 initially, so not rediculus and it was only a bout of mild lami that lead to his diognosis.

Over the last year dan declined, but not dramatically- he lost his appetite and struggled somewhat through the winter. When he was being ridden if his heart rate got up he would pin back an ear and shake his head, as if in discomfort. Through the last few months dans temperament changed dramatically- he became extremely aggressive towards humans and horses across the stable door. I also noticed when he was eating or drinking with his head close to the floor his ear would pin, and he would shake his head- like he did when exercising when his HR became raised.

I made the decision to have dan pts because the coming winter would have been extremely difficult, and considering his change in temperament felt his quality of life was compromised.

Dan was euthanised via bolt gun due to my personal preference, but what happened after was shocking. (the euthanasia went completely to plan, and he went very quickly) instantly when he was shot thick, dark blood gushed from his nose- there was easily a few litres ( covered approximately 6' square area). I think the blood was due to the vascular nature of tumours, but also the increased pressure in the skull due to the pituitary tumour.

This is a plea to owners with cushings horses being treated long term with pergolide: bare in mind the root cause of cushings disease. It is a tumour growing in the brain, and will cause pain when it gets big enough. Put the quality of life of you're horse first.
 
My heart goes out to you, what a horrible thing to happen, but you sound an amazing caring owner and your horse will now be at rest.

I posted on here yesterday with about my horse who was diagnosed with Cushings last year asking for advice, as yesterday he showed the first signs of laminitus. As he is retired quality of life is absolutely key, and I will never ever again put him on box rest, those days are now over. Tomorrow I will speak to the vet about whether there is another tomorrow or not for my boy. I suspect we will get through this but it won't be too long but who knows.

My OH adores the horse and has been very reluctant to even consider the fact that there might be an end. If it helps, I showed him your post and he now understands why I believe a day too early is better than a day too late.

So your shared experience will hopefully help me find a good end for my boy when the time is right. Thank you.
 
I'm glad this post is of some use- I hate the thought that dans life was wasted, but if even one person considers the effect that the tumour has it will be worth it, enjoy the time you have with you're horse- and when they also cross rainbow bridge I'm sure Daniel will be waiting.
 
Zargon-91, I am so sorry for your loss, and I agree quality of life should take priority over everything else

However with that comes a balance.
Prascend/pergolide are in no way a cure, but they equally provide quality of life in reducing symptoms
caused by the tumours effect on the pituitary gland.
I agree with you whole heartedly in your decision, based on your description, however horses as young as 10 can be diagnosed, and the medication gives them quality if life for years.
I'm lucky that my 26 yr old Shetland is the picture of health and very well in himself, however if he started to show neurological signs and symptoms then I would look at his future wellbeing without question.
In the meantime I will medicate.
Every horse is different, and I appreciate your experience has no doubt been very upsetting and the decline of your horse very rapid, but for many its not like this.
As I said, I'm sincerely sorry that you made the brave decision to end your horses suffering, but Im slightly afronted by you last comment.
Most people managing horses / ponies with Cushings are acutely aware of the route cause, and would obviously not allow their horse to suffer, whether on long term treatment or not.... Im really not tying to cause offence, you've had to do the hardest thing that we all face eventually.
I'm also in the 'better a week too early than a day too late' camp :(
 
I'm by nO means saying everyone should put their horses to sleep- it's just an option and the more people sharing their experiences the better. I found it hard to find information saying just how the root cause of cushings would effect horses, and most articles are written by, or sponcored by prascend- who make the pergolide. I think as owners we have a right to know what is really happening as best people know, so we can make an assessment of what is right. Today truly shocked me and I just want people to be aware. X
 
And sorry about the timing of my post... From my perspective I have gone to great lengths to educate myself about Cushings, as like you I don't ever want my pony to suffer, so want to be armed with as much information as possible.
I'm fortunate that he's very well on medication, and goes through winter as well as he does summer, with no change in behaviour.
I understand why you posted, and having read replies to your other thread see that it has made other think a bit more about the condition and effects on their horse & ponies which can only be a good thing.
I take ever day as it comes, and dread the day I have to PTS.
I had my 19yr old cat PTS, last week and totally feel your pain. She was in the day or 2 early camp :)
 
You sound like the perfect owner, I'm sure you're little shettie is safely in health, and always will be. I feel we owe them that dignity- I wish vets would be more direct because it's a big worry that when you have to make that decision it will be the wrong one. The only thing we have to go on is experience and it is stronger when shared :)
 
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