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Equine veterinary journal2012; 45(1); 74-79; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00578.x

Prevalence, risk factors and clinical signs predictive for equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in aged horses.

Abstract: Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is an ageing-related neurodegenerative disorder. The prevalence and risk factors for PPID using seasonally adjusted basal adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations in aged horses have not been previously reported. Objective: To determine the prevalence, risk factors and clinical signs predictive for PPID in a population of horses aged ≥ 15 years in Queensland, Australia. Methods: Owner-reported data was obtained using a postal questionnaire distributed to an equestrian group. A subgroup of surveyed owners were visited and a veterinary physical examination performed on all horses aged ≥ 15 years. Blood samples were analysed for basal plasma alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and ACTH concentrations, routine haematology and selected biochemistry. Aged horses with elevations above seasonally adjusted cut-off values for basal plasma ACTH were considered positive for PPID. Positive horses were compared with their aged counterparts to determine risk factors and clinical signs associated with PPID. Results: Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction was prevalent in aged horses (21.2%) despite owners infrequently reporting it as a known or diagnosed disease or disorder. Numerous clinical or historical signs were associated with an increased risk of PPID in the univariable model, but only age (odds ratio (OR) 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-1.25, P<0.001) and owner-reported history of hirsutism (OR 7.80; 95% CI 3.67-16.57, P<0.001) remained in the final multivariable model. There were no routine haematological or biochemical variables supportive of a diagnosis of PPID. Conclusions: Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction occurs commonly in aged horses despite under-recognition by owners. The increased risk of PPID with age supports that this is an ageing associated condition. Aged horses with clinical or historical signs consistent with PPID, especially owner-reported hirsutism (delayed shedding and/or long hair coat), should be tested and appropriate treatment instituted.
© 2012 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2012-05-18 PubMed ID: 22594955DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00578.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

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This research study investigates the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical signals of Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), a common age-related disorder in horses. The study also identifies key factors that could predict the presence of PPID using data from horses aged 15 or above in Queensland, Australia.

Methodology

  • The researchers gathered data from horse owners through a postal questionnaire circulated within an equestrian group. A selection of horses aged 15 years and above were subject to a veterinary physical examination.
  • Blood samples were collected and analyzed for basal plasma alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, in addition to routine hematology and selected biochemistry.
  • Horses with basal plasma ACTH levels above the seasonally adjusted cut-off were diagnosed with PPID.

Results

  • The study identified a prevalence of PPID in about 21.2% of the aged horses despite the infrequent reporting of the disorder by horse owners.
  • Horses’ age and an owner-reported history of hirsutism (a condition that causes excessive hair growth) were found to be the primary risk factors associated with PPID. Specifically, each year of a horse’s age increased the risk of PPID by 1.18 times and the presence of hirsutism increased the risk by 7.80 times.
  • No routine hematological or biochemical variables were found to support the diagnosis of PPID.

Conclusions

  • The research underscores that PPID is a common condition in ageing horses, despite it being largely under-recognized by owners.
  • The findings accentuate the role of age as a significant risk factor for PPID, suggesting that the disorder is inherently associated with ageing.
  • The researchers recommend that aged horses demonstrating clinical or historical signs of PPID, especially those reported by owners to have hirsutism, should be tested and treated accordingly.

Cite This Article

APA
McGowan TW, Pinchbeck GP, McGowan CM. (2012). Prevalence, risk factors and clinical signs predictive for equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in aged horses. Equine Vet J, 45(1), 74-79. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00578.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 45
Issue: 1
Pages: 74-79

Researcher Affiliations

McGowan, T W
  • Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Australia.
Pinchbeck, G P
    McGowan, C M

      MeSH Terms

      • Aging
      • Animals
      • Data Collection
      • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
      • Horses
      • Multivariate Analysis
      • Odds Ratio
      • Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion / diagnosis
      • Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion / epidemiology
      • Prevalence
      • Queensland / epidemiology
      • Risk Factors
      • Surveys and Questionnaires

      Citations

      This article has been cited 34 times.
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