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How to recognize PPID symptoms | MHS Equestrian
Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction or PPID is a disease that is much better recognized today. PPID is one of the most common hormone-related diseases for older horses. It is estimated that 15 to 30% of horses over 15 years of age have PPID disease. Earlier this disease was called Cushing's disease.
The fact that PPID mainly occurs to older horses does not mean that it does not occur in younger horses. The disease has already been diagnosed in horses from the age of 7.
From Cushing to PPID
Previously, PPID was known as Cushing's syndrome. A syndrome that also occurs in people. It has been found that the disease happens to be slightly differently in horses. That is why the name has been changed to Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction - simply translated "a disturbed function of the central lobe of the pituitary gland".
The cause of PPID
At the bottom of the brain you will find two organs, namely the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. These organs together ensure a controlled management of a number of hormones.
The hypothalamus communicates with the pituitary gland via the nerve bundles. It is important that the nerve bundles function properly. This is because it sometimes happens that the nerves are slowly broken down, resulting in malfunction of the central lobe of the pituitary gland; PPID.
This is what is happening
The hypothalamus normally produces dopamine. This dopamine is sent to the pituitary gland as a signal substance via the nerve path. Dopamine subsequently inhibits the production of hormones in the pituitary gland.
If the intermediate nerve pathways deteriorate, the conduction of the dopamine from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland is less successful. The result of this is an overproduction of hormones compared to "normal". Cells will have to work harder and as a result grow faster to keep up with the excessive production.
As a result, the pituitary gland that still produces too much hormone increases. One of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland is ACTH. ACTH is a hormone that affects the adrenal gland. This increases the stress hormone cortisol in the body.
Among other things, the different and changing amounts of hormones cause the symptoms that occur with PPID. The stress hormone Cortisol namely has quite a lot of influence in the body of your horse, including on insulin regulation.
The symptoms at a glance
- Striking coat change is one of the symptoms that indicates PPID. This can express itself in tufts of light hair that do not release into a thick fur with curls. Horses with PPID also have difficulty losing their winter fur.
- Horses with PPID have an increased risk of hoof confinement. This is because they are more sensitive to the causes of hoof seizure.
- Changes in physique, for example due to muscle loss of the upper line, a hanging abdomen, fat accumulation above / around the eyes, abnormal sweating around the neck and shoulders and excessive drinking and urination indicate PPID.
- Your horse has remarkably less energy. His performance is also remarkably less.
- Mares are sometimes less easily pregnant, and the immune system is weaker than usual.
- The increasing size of the pituitary gland can cause problems because it puts pressure on the surrounding brain parts. This is expressed in blindness and / or seizures.
Treating PPID
Nerves can unfortunately not just improve. It is, however, possible to regulate the excessive production of hormones with the help of medication. With this you counteract or prevent the symptoms. This way your horse can enjoy his old age more.
Do you have doubts about or suspected PPID on your horse? Then contact your veterinarian. They can examine your horse and where necessary test for PPID.
This text is translated by Google.
Source: KNHS Kennisbank