Tests for Cushings?

[MrsMozart]

I have heard that they aren't 100% reliable, that basically one goes with the symptoms as they are presented and manages the pony accordingly.

I am knew to this syndrome and whilst I am reading what I can find, a lot of it is generic and/or confusing!

My vet is coming out to assess the pony, but I'd like to get a handle on the basics. Vet is very approachable and knows both the pony and me well. I just want to make sure I don't miss anything out.

 

[Zuzzie]

Some years ago I had one gelding 15hh who was a cushings candidate who had the classic symptoms of a thick curly coat etc. Vet said it was probably not worth testing and decided to put him straight onto the lowest dose of Pergolide as he said the tests were unreliable and expensive. Within weeks he was looking super with a glossy coat and renewed energy.
Then about 3 years ago the vet was visiting the yard for another horse and spotted my other gelding (17hh) and casually observed him as having Cushings. At this point it had'nt occurred to me that he had Cushings as his coat wasnt unduly thick - we had a little laugh about it because the only sign was he had slightly hairy, curly legs. Anyhow, (it was a different vet), we decided to put him on a minimum dosage and see how things went. Same result, lovely glossy coat and all the long hair on his legs vanished.

If the classic signs are there, then you may want to dispense with the tests and go straight to the drug (its Prascend now). See what your vet says. Good luck.

 

[MrsMozart]

Thank you Zuzzie. Sorry to hear you got a double whammy.

The fat deposits have changed on his body. Now it's just in two strips as it were down his shoulders. He's not skinny elsewhere, just different to how he was a few weeks ago. He also used to have quite deep dips above his eyes, and those are now changing.

His coat used to be very shiny, but now it's not quite dull, just not the same. The hairs are sort of long and wispy, which isn't classic Cushings from what I've read. His coat is now showing a lot of white hairs - he is, or was, a bright bay.

He's also taken to rubbing his head again. Last did that about two years ago. Not his neck or tail or bum or anywhere else, just his head and one patch on the lower front part of his neck. Using some ointment (Itchoff I think it's called), which seems to be working thankfully.

Vet is out tomorrow.

Thank you.