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The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice2011; 27(1); 93-113; doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2010.12.007

Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.

Abstract: Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also known as equine Cushing's syndrome, is a widely recognized disease of aged horses. Over the past two decades, the aged horse population has expanded significantly and in addition, client awareness of PPID has increased. As a result, there has been an increase in both diagnostic testing and treatment of the disease. This review focuses on the pathophysiology and clinical syndrome, as well as advances in diagnostic testing and treatment of PPID, with an emphasis on those findings that are new since the excellent comprehensive review by Schott in 2002.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2011-03-12 PubMed ID: 21392656DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2010.12.007Google 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.

The research mainly focuses on the prevalent disease in aged horses: equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), or equine Cushing’s syndrome. The researchers have observed a surge in diagnosis and treatment due to the rise in an aged horse population and increased awareness about PPID.

Introduction to Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction

  • Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), commonly referred to as equine Cushing’s syndrome, represents a significant illness affecting elderly horses. It is a hormonal disorder caused by an increase in the size and activity of the middle lobe of the equine pituitary gland.
  • Over the past twenty years, not only has the aged horse population increased, but horse owners’ awareness about equine PPID has also soared. This has given rise to a higher number of diagnostic tests being conducted and treatments being administered to tackle this disease.

Pathophysiology and Clinical Syndrome of PPID

  • The paper discusses the pathophysiology and the clinical syndrome of PPID. This implies studying the dysfunction of the pituitary gland, leading to the disease, and the subsequent clinical presentations in horses.
  • PPID is typically characterized by an overgrowth or adenoma of the pituitary gland, causing an excess production of certain hormones leading to various symptoms. The most common signs include abnormal hair growth, weight loss, laminitis, increased thirst and urination, among others.

Advancements in Diagnostic Testing and Treatment

  • A highlight of the research lies in covering the developments in diagnostic testing and treatments for PPID since Schott’s detailed review in 2002.
  • The study underscores the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatments to curb the progression of the disease and maintain the horse’s quality of life.
  • While traditional methods like visual observation of physical signs and endocrine testing are still in use, newer methods, possibly including Plasmatic ACTH concentration measurement, might be discussed since their release post Schott’s review.
  • Appropriate treatments typically involve medication, dietary management, and treating secondary conditions. The advancements in these could be crucial in managing the disease more effectively.

Cite This Article

APA
McFarlane D. (2011). Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 27(1), 93-113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2010.12.007

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
ISSN: 1558-4224
NlmUniqueID: 8511904
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 27
Issue: 1
Pages: 93-113

Researcher Affiliations

McFarlane, Dianne
  • Department of Physiological Sciences, 264 McElroy Hall, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA. diannem@okstate.edu

MeSH Terms

  • Aging
  • Animals
  • Diet / veterinary
  • Dopamine Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / therapy
  • Horses
  • Male
  • Pergolide / therapeutic use
  • Pituitary Diseases / diagnosis
  • Pituitary Diseases / therapy
  • Pituitary Diseases / veterinary
  • Pituitary Gland, Intermediate / anatomy & histology
  • Pituitary Gland, Intermediate / physiopathology

Citations

This article has been cited 36 times.
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