Diseases of the Endocrine System

Chapter 50 Diseases of the Endocrine System


The endocrine system of the horse controls almost all of the body’s functions. Because of this, it is readily apparent when a horse has an endocrine problem. Fortunately, few problems are seen in this system.



EQUINE CUSHING’S SYNDROME


Equine Cushing’s syndrome is one of the more common endocrine diseases that affect horses. This disease is more commonly found in older horses, that is, those in their late teens to early twenties. The disease is a result of hypertrophy and hyperplasia of pituitary gland (it gets bigger). The body experiences a decrease in dopamine production and an increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion. ACTH causes increased cortisol concentrations. Cortisol causes a number of changes in the body, including decreased immune responsiveness, loss of the muscle mass due to catabolism, and increase in blood glucose concentrations. The first signs of this disease in the older horse may be the presence of a long, shaggy coat that is not shed normally in the spring.




CLINICAL SIGNS



• Weight loss and muscle wasting

• Thick, long-hair coat that does not shed normally

• Lethargy

• Sweating

• Excessive urination and drinking

• Recurrent laminitis

• Recurrent infections


DIAGNOSIS



• Clinical signs are suggestive of the disease

• Response to a dexamethasone suppression test


TREATMENT



• Good management (optimal nutrition, hoof care, body clipping)

• Pergolide, bromocriptine (dopamine receptor agonists)

• Cyproheptadine—less expensive, but does not work as well

Related posts:

  1. Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases
  2. Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases
  3. Diseases of the Cardiovascular System
  4. Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System

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Aug 31, 2016 | Posted by in GENERAL | Comments Off on Diseases of the Endocrine System

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