NUTRITIONAL NOTES Brought to you by Triple Crown Nutrition, The Official Feed Sponsor of USPC
Feeding a Horse with PPID (Cushing’s Disease) Provided by Triple Crown Nutrition A PPID horse can thrive when following a regulated diet and exercise routine plus keeping up-to-date with all veterinary health check-ups. With the proper management and your commitment to their wellness, your PPID horse can have a healthy, happy and long life.
The Challenge
Feeding a horse with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) or Cushing’s Disease — also known as Equine Pars Intermedia Dysfunction — can be a challenge. Often, horses with PPID have additional issues to address such as advanced age, poor body condition, and problems resulting from compromised immune systems. They also have an increased risk of developing catastrophic laminitis, so effectively managing and optimizing their care is
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Spring 2022
critical. Managing their overall feeding program can get complicated. Changes to their diet may be necessary to ensure they are getting the right nutrition and help with symptom management.
Understanding the Causes
Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) is caused by a tumor or enlargement of the pituitary gland resulting in an inability to control hormones produced by the pituitary gland. Horses with a history of obesity, metabolic issues, and changes in insulin resistance have a higher chance of d e v e l o p i n g P P I D . A d d i t i o n a l l y, s t r e s s from diet and environment can cause hormone imbalances that can lead to PPID. PPID is a non-reversible disease and will progress if not properly managed.
