Cushings Disease

Cushings Disease occurs as a result of a ´´pituitary adenoma´´, a slow growing tumor in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Horses can live for a long time with this, but they will gradually get worse over time.
Your horse will be more predisposed to founder(laminitis) and infections and heat stress. The heat stress is usually due to the thich curly hair coat these horses get, and can make them breath faster and more heavily to try and cool down. In the later stages, horses can have behavioural changes and other neurological signs.

The progression of disease can be slowed by treatmnet with Pergolide or Cyproheptadine. You will need to talk to a specialist equine vet about these treatments. Regular feet trimming and good hoof care will help prevent abscesses and foot infections. Careful diet managemnet to maintain body weight without increasing the risk of founder is also very important.