PPID is easier to see once you connect the dots.

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is one of the most common equine endocrine disorders. PPID causes the horse's pituitary gland, which utilizes hormones to control body functions, to work overtime. This can lead to a variety of problems for horses, ranging from delayed shedding to loss of muscle mass.

More Than The Sum of Its Clinical Signs

Because the illness may initially present through a collection of relatively subtle clinical signs, PPID is difficult to diagnose without knowledge of the horse’s history, a complete physical exam and the appropriate diagnostic evaluation.

PPID doesn't discriminate, can affect any horse

Because PPID has reportedly been identified in 21% of horses over the age of 15, it was once believed to be only an old horse disease.1 But in rare cases, horses as young as five years old have been diagnosed. In fact, PPID affects male and female equines, and is seen in all breeds of horses, including ponies.

The Earlier, the Better

PPID is a chronic, degenerative disease. And while there are management options available, recognizing the clinical signs and early diagnosis is the first step leading to the proper management of a horse with PPID.

Clinical signs of ppid
We can ID PPID.

The clinical signs of PPID in horses can be subtle — but it’s also very serious. By knowing what to look for, you can get an early diagnosis, and help the affected horse.

Clinical signs of PPID vary widely and may be mild or severe. Often, early clinical signs can go unrecognized. Explore below to see which clinical signs are often associated with early versus advanced signs of PPID. If you notice any of these clinical signs in a horse it might be time to test.

Change in attitude/lethargy

A change in personality and/or a lack of energy

Dull attitude/altered mentation

Sluggishness or decreased activity.

PPID MYTH 01

PPID only affects older horses.

Reveal Fact
PPID Fact 01
It doesn’t matter the age or the breed of the horse, if you see any of the clinical signs, you should have your horse tested for PPID.2
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PPID Myth 02

PPID does not affect athletic performance.

Reveal Fact
PPID Fact 02
One of the early clinical signs of PPID is lethargy or decreased athletic performance.
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PPID MYTH 03

Generalized hypertrichosis is one of the earliest clinical signs of PPID.

Reveal Fact
PPID Fact 03
Generalized hypertrichosis is considered an advanced clinical sign of PPID, one of many advanced clinical signs listed above.
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PPID MYTH 04

Horses can’t have PPID and insulin dysregulation (ID) at the same time.

Reveal Fact
PPID Fact 04
According to a recent study, 2,994 horses were tested for PPID. Of those that tested positive for PPID, 47 percent also had increased insulin.
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PPID Myth 05

You can’t test for PPID in fall.

Reveal Fact
PPID Fact 05
The resting ACTH concentration test can be used at any time of the year when seasonally-adjusted reference ranges are used.
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PPID MYTH 06

Signs of lameness are not associated with PPID.

Reveal Fact
PPID Fact 06
New research is indicating that other causes of lameness, such as certain tendon issues and suspensory desmitis may also be associated with horses with PPID.
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Reference

1. McGowan TW, Hodgson DR, McGowan CM. The prevalence of equine Cushing's syndrome in aged horses. In: Proceedings from the 25th American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum; June 6-9, 2007; Seattle, WA. Abstract 603.

2. Grubbs ST, Neal DL and TJ Keefe. Epidemiological characteristics of horses at initial diagnosis. J Vet Intern Med 2015;29:123