What is Adrenal Disease in Horses? First, every horse owner or a part of a horse enthusiast should understand some of the health complications that might be prevalent in these animals. One such condition is adrenal disease, and such diseases do affect a horse very much since it serves as an indication of an animal’s health conditions. Therefore, let us wallow deep into the carried-out research topic in this article, which is adrenal disease in horses, how it is formed, what it looks like, how to diagnose and treat a sick horse, and how to manage it.

What are the Adrenal Glands?

Now that we are going to talk about adrenal disease, it is important to know first what adrenal glands are in horses. Adrenal glands are two small triangular shaped glands located on the upper surface of kidneys that secrete a number of hormones to maintain critical bodily function. These hormones include:

Cortisol: a cortisol hormone which is involved in the body’s reaction to stress and immobilization, keeps blood sugar levels stable, controls fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism.

Aldosterone: a hormone, which plays an important role maintaining the sodium, potassium and blood pressure levels.

Adrenaline (also known as epinephrine): a hormone that puts the body in readiness to either fight or run away, increases heartbeat, blood pressure and energy.

What is Adrenal Disease in Horses?

Adrenal disease in horses is the name for a number of disorders that have an impact on the adrenal glands and their ability to produce hormones. In horses, the primary form of adrenal disease is Equine Cushing’s Disease abbreviated as ECD but scientifically referred to as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction abbreviated as PPID.

ECD is a hormonal disorder that is as a result of increased activity of pituitary gland which controls the adrenal glands. This results in an excess secretion of cortisol in the body which is responsible for numerous symptoms affecting our general health.

There are number of potential causes by which adrenal disease can be induced in horses as mentioned below:

Even though the exact cause of ECD remains unknown, some studies point to the dysfunction of the gland with age and the consequences of the pituitary gland deterioration. Other potential risk factors include:

Age: ECD usually occurs in horses that are at least 15 years old.

Breed: Horses of specific breeds including pony and Morgan are reported to be at higher risks of getting ECD.

Genetics: It has been hypothesized that ECD may, in fact, be heritable.

Signalment and Description of Adrenal Disease in Horses

The symptoms of adrenal disease in horses can vary, but common signs include:

Weight gain: especially with regard to the abdominal region

Hair coat changes: a long, curly or thick coat and skin that do not shed properly

Excessive sweating

Polydipsia and Polyuria

Laminitis: the condition relatable to inflammation of the tissues that link the hoof to the underlying bone.

Reproductive problems: ovulation disturbances, inability to conceive, or spontaneous miscarriage

Increased risk of infections: because of immune compromised state

THE DIAGNOSIS OF ADRENAL DISEASE IN HORSES

The diagnosis of adrenal diseases in the horses is one of the complexities because the signs might be exactly similar to other diseases. A veterinarian may use a combination of the following tests to diagnose ECD:

Physical examination: to monitor the horse’s general health and check for put on weight, change of coat and any other clinical signs.

Blood tests: for example, to measure cortisol and other hormones levels – pathological correlates of stress.

Urine tests: To detect cortisol level and other hormones imbalance and other body conditions.

Imaging tests: such as ultrasonography or radiography, in order to assess the condition of pituitary gland and adrenal glands.

Management and Treatment of Adrenal Disorders in Horses

There are no known cure and so management for the disease remains an important thing to consider to ensure that the symptoms are reduced and the quality of the horse’s life is improved . Aim of treatment is to decrease cortisol levels and treat the complications associated with elevated cortisol. Common treatment options include:

Medications: p ex pergolide which is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease as it inhibits cortisol secretion.

Dietary changes: For controlling weight and in order to avoid laminitis.

Regular exercise: to prevent gaining weight and further affect general body health.

Monitoring: scientific recommendations of periodic examination of the horse by a veterinarian to trace the condition and make necessary changes in the treatment. You can contact us here.

Conclusion

Hormonal imbalance, especially, adrenal disease is a challenging problem in horses, which includes diagnostic, therapeutic and management processes. This paper provides insights into the possible causes, signs, and therapies of Laminits in a bid to help horse owners and caretakers contribute to the better health of affected horses. If you believe your horse has signs of adrenal disease, it is important to get a veterinarian as soon as possible so as to begin the right treatment.