September Case of the Month – PPID Awareness
If “PPID Awareness Month” existed, it would be September! Pituitary Pars Intermedius Dysfunction (PPID) is becoming a common condition affecting our aging horse population. PPID is caused by changes in neuro-signalling of the Pituitary Pars Intermedius, increasing the amount of the hormone ACTH produced and released into the horse’s bloodstream.
Testing for elevated ACTH levels in the blood can be done throughout the year. However, early detection of PPID is best done in the fall months. This is because Dopamine, which is produced in higher amounts during longer daylight hours, such as in the spring and summer, regulates the production of ACTH by the Pituitary Gland. As we lose daylight hours in the fall, the natural reduction in Dopamine production allows for the overproduction of ACTH in horses with PPID. Therefor we often test horses in the fall, i.e. September and October, when we experience fewer daylight hours.
This September we tested the ACTH levels in 35 horses that we suspected may have PPID. What did we find? 80% of those horses tested had abnormally elevated ACTH.
So next fall, if your aging horse is starting to develop ANY of the following symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment to check their ACTH levels.
Symptoms can include:
- Haircoat changes: Longer haircoat, delayed shedding in spring, early development of winter coat
- Hoof problems: Recurrent hoof abscesses, laminitis
- Body changes: Fat deposits over the crest, rump and shoulders; topline muscle loss
- Changes in attitude, performance, lethargy
- Increased sweating, drinking and urination
- Persistent skin infections
- Injury to the Suspensory Ligament