VN June 2023

Vetnuus | June 2023 14 WHAT IS PPID? Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID; equine Cushing’s disease) is an endocrine disorder in over 20% of aged horses, ponies, and donkeys. Most animals are over 15 years old when diagnosed, but PPID can occur in younger horses. It is rare in horses less than ten years old. Horses and ponies of any breed may be affected. HOW DOES PPID AFFECT EQUINES? The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, plays a key role in regulating the body’s hormones. Many metabolic and reproductive functions, blood pressure and electrolyte balance are affected. Horses develop enlargement and benign tumours in a section of the pituitary gland known as the pars intermedia. While these tumours do not spread and rarely become large enough to cause neurological disease, they overproduce hormones that create an abnormal metabolic state. EQUINE ENDOCRINOLOGY: PITUITARY PARS INTERMEDIA DYSFUNCTION (PPID) Link to article https://cvm.msu.edu/vdl/client-education/guides-for-pet- owners/equine-endocrinology-pituitary-pars-intermedia-dysfunction- ppid#:~:text=What%20is%20PPID%3F,less%20than%2010%20years%20old