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The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice2016; 32(2); 301-315; doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2016.04.007

Endocrine Disease in Aged Horses.

Abstract: Aging horses may be at particular risk of endocrine disease. Two major equine endocrinopathies, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction and equine metabolic syndrome, are commonly encountered in an aging population and may present with several recognizable signs, including laminitis. Investigation, treatment, and management of these diseases are discussed. Additionally, aging may be associated with development of rarer endocrinopathic problems, often associated with neoplasia, including diabetes mellitus and other confounders of glucose homeostasis, as well as thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal diseases. Brief details of the recognition and management of these conditions are presented.
Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2016-07-28 PubMed ID: 27449391DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2016.04.007Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article primarily discusses the higher susceptibility of aging horses to endocrine diseases, particularly pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction and equine metabolic syndrome. The article also highlights the treatment, management and some rarer endocrine disorders seen in aged horses.

Overview and Objective of the Research

  • The aim of this research is to understand the impact of two prominent endocrine diseases, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), on aged horses.
  • The study also investigates the plausibility of other rarer endocrine-related diseases affecting the geriatric equine population, with that often associated with neoplasia (uncontrolled cell proliferation).

    • Common Endocrine Disorders in Aged Horses

  • The research paper primarily focuses on two frequently occurring endocrine diseases in aged horses: PPID and EMS.
  • PPID is a neurodegenerative disorder impacting the pituitary gland (located in the brain), causing it to overwork. This ailment causes physical changes like excessive hair growth and shedding, reduced muscle mass and increased susceptibility to infections.
  • On the other hand, EMS is a metabolic disorder characterized by abnormal insulin regulation leading to obesity, laminitis (inflammation in the hoof, causing severe pain and lameness), and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

    • Treatment and Management

  • The article brings to light the necessity of having a solid understanding of these diseases, which aids in their early detection, treatment and management.
  • It is suggested that managing these diseases can involve dietary changes, exercise regimes, and in some cases, medication. The goal is to control symptoms, improve quality of life, and increase longevity.

    • Rarer Endocrine Disorders in Aged Horses

  • The study also reviews several less common but still significant endocrine disorders seen in geriatric horse populations.
  • These include diabetes mellitus, a disruption in glucose metabolism resulting from impaired insulin production or the body’s inability to effectively utilize insulin.
  • The article also discusses disorders affecting the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands.
  • Much like the aforementioned common diseases, the rarer disorders demand a comprehensive understanding for accurate diagnosis and adequate management.

    • Cite This Article

    APA
    Durham AE. (2016). Endocrine Disease in Aged Horses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 32(2), 301-315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2016.04.007

    Publication

    The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
    ISSN: 1558-4224
    NlmUniqueID: 8511904
    Country: United States
    Language: English
    Volume: 32
    Issue: 2
    Pages: 301-315
    PII: S0749-0739(16)30007-4

    Researcher Affiliations

    Durham, Andy E
    • Liphook Equine Hospital, Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7JG, UK. Electronic address: andy.durham@theleh.co.uk.

    MeSH Terms

    • Aging
    • Animals
    • Endocrine System Diseases / diagnosis
    • Endocrine System Diseases / therapy
    • Endocrine System Diseases / veterinary
    • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
    • Horse Diseases / therapy
    • Horses
    • Pituitary Diseases / diagnosis
    • Pituitary Diseases / therapy
    • Pituitary Diseases / veterinary
    • Veterinary Medicine

    Citations

    This article has been cited 10 times.
    1. Daradics Z, Crecan CM, Rus MA, Morar IA, Mircean MV, Cătoi AF, Cecan AD, Cătoi C. Obesity-Related Metabolic Dysfunction in Dairy Cows and Horses: Comparison to Human Metabolic Syndrome. Life (Basel) 2021 Dec 16;11(12).
      doi: 10.3390/life11121406pubmed: 34947937google scholar: lookup
    2. Dunkel B, Knowles EJ, Chang YM, Menzies-Gow NJ. Influence of endocrine disease on l-lactate concentrations in blood of ponies. J Vet Intern Med 2021 May;35(3):1582-1588.
      doi: 10.1111/jvim.16079pubmed: 34043845google scholar: lookup
    3. Tsuchiya T, Noda R, Ikeda H, Maeda M, Sato F. Relationship between endogenous plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration and reproductive performance in Thoroughbred broodmares. J Vet Intern Med 2021 Jul;35(4):2002-2008.
      doi: 10.1111/jvim.16145pubmed: 34028083google scholar: lookup
    4. Gehlen H, Jaburg N, Merle R, Winter J. Can Endocrine Dysfunction Be Reliably Tested in Aged Horses That Are Experiencing Pain?. Animals (Basel) 2020 Aug 14;10(8).
      doi: 10.3390/ani10081426pubmed: 32824027google scholar: lookup
    5. Langner K, Blaue D, Schedlbauer C, Starzonek J, Julliand V, Vervuert I. Changes in the faecal microbiota of horses and ponies during a two-year body weight gain programme. PLoS One 2020;15(3):e0230015.
      doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230015pubmed: 32191712google scholar: lookup
    6. Shepard KN, Haffner JC, Neal DL, Grubbs ST, Pearce GL. Effect of delayed plasma centrifugation on equine adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration. J Vet Diagn Invest 2019 Jul;31(4):585-587.
      doi: 10.1177/1040638719860877pubmed: 31246158google scholar: lookup
    7. Lewis SL, Holl HM, Long MT, Mallicote MF, Brooks SA. Use of principle component analysis to quantitatively score the equine metabolic syndrome phenotype in an Arabian horse population. PLoS One 2018;13(7):e0200583.
      doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200583pubmed: 30001422google scholar: lookup
    8. Albornoz A, Morales B, Fernandez VB, Henriquez C, Quiroga J, Alarcón P, Moran G, Burgos RA. Obesity-Associated Metabolomic and Functional Reprogramming in Neutrophils from Horses with Asthma. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jul 7;15(13).
      doi: 10.3390/ani15131992pubmed: 40646891google scholar: lookup
    9. Davis EL, Wood AD, Potier JFN. Prevalence and Progression of Resting ACTH, Insulin and Adiponectin Values as Indicators of Suspected Endocrine Diseases in Sport Horses and Ponies Compared to Non-Sport Horses, Ponies and Donkeys. Animals (Basel) 2025 May 1;15(9).
      doi: 10.3390/ani15091316pubmed: 40362130google scholar: lookup
    10. Sundra T, Kelty E, Rossi G, Rendle D. Retrospective assessment of the use of extended-release cabergoline in the management of equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1332337.
      doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1332337pubmed: 38511195google scholar: lookup
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