Supporting Horses with PPID (Cushings)

Cushing’s disease in horses, now more accurately called Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), is a common endocrine disorder, especially in older horses. It’s managed through a combination of medication, diet, and supportive care.

Here's a breakdown:

1. Medication

The cornerstone of PPID management:

• Pergolide mesylate (brand name Prascend)

  • A dopamine agonist that reduces the production of ACTH from the pituitary.

  • Usually given orally once daily, but 1/2 dose morning and evening is even more effective for some horses.

  • Start low and increase dose gradually to avoid side effects like inappetence or lethargy.

2. Diet & Weight Management

PPID often coexists with insulin dysregulation, so feeding is critical:

• Low-sugar, low-starch diet

  • Avoid grains and lush pasture.

  • Use tested hay with ESC (simple sugar) + starch below 10–12%.

  • Consider soaking hay to reduce sugar content.

• Provide quality protein and minerals

  • Many senior horses need extra amino acids (e.g., lysine) to maintain muscle.
    
    A balanced vitamin/mineral supplement helps support immune function and hoof health

3. Hoof Care

PPID horses are at risk for laminitis, especially if insulin dysregulation is present:

• Maintain regular farrier visits (every 4–6 weeks).

• Watch for signs like a bounding digital pulse, heat in hooves, or lameness.
  

4. Dental & Parasite Care

PPID suppresses the immune system:

• Schedule regular dental checkups.

• Deworm based on fecal egg counts.

• Keep vaccinations up to date.
  

5. Monitoring

• ACTH levels: Rechecked periodically (usually in the fall when naturally elevated).

• Body condition, coat shedding, energy level, appetite, and water intake: Monitored closely at home.
  

6. Supportive Supplements (based on individual case)

• Antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin E) if access to pasture is limited.

• Adaptogenic herbs (like chasteberry under veterinary supervision).

• Insulin support supplements (like magnesium/chromium blends) if needed.

• GastroElm Plus for Colic prevention

Why PPID increases colic risk:

1. Decreased gut motility

   • Dopamine loss affects autonomic nervous system tone, which can slow digestion and gut movement.

   • This increases risk for impactions or gas buildup.

2. Increased stress and cortisol

   • Chronic hormone imbalances affect digestion and immune regulation.

   • High cortisol can thin the gut lining and reduce resilience to colitis, ulcers, and parasitic challenges.

3. Poor dentition & appetite changes

   • Many PPID horses are older and may chew less effectively or eat inconsistently.

   • This sets the stage for impaction colic, especially during weather changes.

4. Laminitis & stall rest

   • Horses on stall rest for laminitis are moving less, further slowing gut motility.
     

🐴 Why GastroElm Plus is a smart tool:

• Soothing mucilage from slippery elm and marshmallow root helps coat the gut lining and reduce inflammation.

• Helps prevent hindgut irritation, which is often a root cause of gas and colitis-related colics.

• Many horses feel better and eat more reliably when their GI tract is calm and functioning well.

• It’s gentle and safe for long-term use — a big plus for older or metabolically sensitive horses.
  

💡 Pro Tip:

If your horse is prone to colic during:

• Weather swings

• Diet changes

• Stress (e.g., hoof trims, vet visits, vaccinations)

• Deworming

…then giving extra GastroElm Plus for a few days before and after those events can be very protective.  Otherwise, one tablespoon in the morning and another in the evening will do a great job to prevent GI related issues.