Those of you with Cushings horses....

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AutumnDays

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What made you first think they need a test?
The bay boy has just not come out of winter quite right, and I'm wondering if it's something like Cushings, or, if anyone has any other ideas that would be appreciated...
He's come out ribby, which is fine, because when I got him 2 years ago he was horrendously fat, so him coming out of winter with less padding is fab. He's moulting, but patches are bald. They other two are moulting but have coat underneath, he's got broken/no coat. I had to clip a part of his neck in early winter because he cut himself and I couldn't see it clearly with the fluff, and that hasn't really grown back, it still looks like I've clipped him, very patchily! Other than this, he's well in himself, not lethargic, he's an appetite with legs, and he's bright and engaging with me and his herd mates, and anything going on over the hedge he thinks needs a nosey. This hasn't been my experience with other Cushings horses who've all been flat, can't shift weight or lose coat etc.
Thanks for reading

ETA, I've checked him and the others thoroughly for lice and other skin issues, and nothing has come of that, so I don't think the patches are due to a parasite
 
Mine actually lost a dramatic amount of weight due to cushings. She has not lost as much weight this year after medication. She was however depressed and low grade lami.
 
How old is he?

I routinely screen test my horses annually for Cushing’s from age 10yo onwards. I get the ACTH assay blood pull done at flu vaccination time.

That’s how I found my then 11yo had Cushing’s. Whilst it was an unwelcome surprise at the time, it meant that I got her on Prascend straight away early on after she had developed Cushing’s. 8 years on and she’s doing very well 🙂.
 
Tiddlypom said:
How old is he?

I routinely screen test my horses annually for Cushing’s from age 10yo onwards. I get the blood pull done at flu vaccination time.

That’s how I found my then 11yo had Cushing’s. Whilst it was an unwelcome surprise at the time, it meant that I got her on Prascend straight away and 8 years on she’s doing very well.
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He's 15 this year. How did your girl present?
 
Equi said:
Mine actually lost a dramatic amount of weight due to cushings. She has not lost as much weight this year after medication. She was however depressed and low grade lami.
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Yes, while I'm pleased he's not fat, because he was disgustingly fat when he arrived, and we've been doing the slow and steady weight loss over the last 2 years (he's a non ridden rescue, so it's been a bit slower than if he could be in work), he's not looking great with it, he looks a bit... Mangey for want of a better word!
 
Tiddlypom said:
Nothing obvious, just a little end of winter dull.

It’s definitely something that I’d test for in any horse over 10 who isn’t thriving as much as much as they should do.
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It's been a bit tricky with him, as he's only been here two years and he was so shut down when he arrived, it took him a while to show himself, so we are still learning what is/isn't right for him. I think I'll just get him tested to be safe though based on what you have kindly shared
 
AutumnDays said:
This may be a silly question, but can they be tested anytime, like dogs?
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Yes, they adjust the range for results according to the time of year.

Mine piled on weight, was drinking more, lethargic and had started to itch and cough more.

Mine didn't actually test positive as he was equivocal but all symptoms have gone since on Prascend.
 
AutumnDays said:
Ah great, thanks @Tiddlypom & @MuddyMonster. I've only every dealt with other people's horses who had Cushings that have already had a management plan worked out (livery care), so I'm a bit in the dark here!
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No worries :)

Mine was literally re-tested last week so you really can test at anytime!

If you are looking to test, check out Care About Cushings as you should be able to get free lab testing for it (although you'll still need to pay your vets for the rest of the visit ) :)
 
MuddyMonster said:
No worries :)

Mine was literally re-tested last week so you really can test at anytime!

If you are looking to test, check out Care About Cushings as you should be able to get free lab testing for it (although you'll still need to pay your vets for the rest of the visit ) :)
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Thank you, that is so helpful! I just want to do right by the boy
 
Gloi said:
He started sweating in funny patches too.
My friend's started with getting rain rash on his back which he'd never got before.
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It sounds like I best get him tested and see what his results say. I'd be gutted for him if it is. He's only just opened up and learnt to be a horse with others after being a machine, bless him
 
AutumnDays said:
It sounds like I best get him tested and see what his results say. I'd be gutted for him if it is. He's only just opened up and learnt to be a horse with others after being a machine, bless him
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If it is and you treat it you can still have years of good riding with him , all being well.
 
Both mine were tested as part of being older. I had a specific test done as part of a general check when he just seemed out of sorts and Vet didn’t think it would come back positive but it did with a high reading.
 
I’m glad that you’re thinking of getting him checked out. At least you’ll know either way.

Sadly it’s pretty common on here to hear of vets let alone owners who won’t test horses for Cushing’s as they don’t think they look like they have it. Then the horse proves to indeed have it and to have got in a pickle as it was untreated for too long.

So stick your ground even if your vet thinks it’s not necessary to test him.

Many Cushing’s horses pick up really well and for long term once they are settled on the correct dose of Prascend.
 
I've just had my guy's done too. There's just something this year I can't put my finger on, overall I think he may have something going on, I wouldn't be surprised if it comes back positive. My vet has joined me on to the Care about Cushing's website which keeps you right and you can get a free annual test.
 
holeymoley said:
I've just had my guy's done too. There's just something this year I can't put my finger on, overall I think he may have something going on, I wouldn't be surprised if it comes back positive. My vet has joined me on to the Care about Cushing's website which keeps you right and you can get a free annual test.
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Same, something is just not quite right. I asked about the care about Cushings, and the receptionist didn't know, I'll check with the vet again tomorrow
 
Mine had lethargy, uneven fat distribution and muscle loss.
We had only owned him for a year and he was just 15.
Nearly 4 years on he is still in work and doing well
 
Inkling, as others say. Fat patches above eyes, very rough/harsh coat after winter coat loss, that looked like another winter coat and came through really patchily. 21yrs. Laminitis was the first sign in another mare (sadly pts as a result), she was only 7yrs old at the time and the test came back positive for Cushings - very unusual in a young horse apparently.
 
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