VN June 2023

Vetnuus | June 2023 16 Because many horses with PPID also have insulin dysregulation increasing the risk of laminitis, screening for PPID should also include testing for insulin dysregulation. Blood biochemistry analysis is also recommended for the overall geriatric wellness evaluation. HOW IS PPID TREATED? Pergolide mesylate is a drug that acts on receptors within the pars intermedia to suppress tissue enlargement and tumour growth. The only formulation currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating PPID in horses is Prascend® (Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica), and compounded formulations of pergolide are no longer recommended. Other drugs are occasionally combined with pergolide for cases that do not respond well to treatment. Suppose your horse has subtle signs of PPID, but test results are normal. In that case, your veterinarian may remain suspicious of mild PPID and suggest administering pergolide as a trial for several months to see if your horse’s condition improves with treatment. Changes to the diet may be needed, especially when insulin dysregulation is also present. Many older horses with PPID have difficulty maintaining weight, dental abnormalities must be addressed, and nutritional needs must be met. Even with good dental care, elderly horses eventually wear their teeth so hay can no longer be chewed. In these cases, pelleted senior feeds are effective for maintaining or gaining weight. Fat supplements can be added to provide extra calories for horses that need to gain weight. For horses with insulin dysregulation, dietary sugar restriction is also needed and can be done by eliminating grain and limiting pasture access, especially during spring and fall when grass sugar content is higher. Some horses with PPID are “easy keepers” and suffer from obesity. Reducing calorie intake and increasing exercise help promote weight loss and improve the metabolic state of overweight horses. Wellness care, including dental examinations, parasite control, and vaccination, are essential to managing PPID. Body clipping is helpful for horses that fail to shed during warm weather. In horses with chronic laminitis, proper therapeutic farrier care and careful use of analgesic medications are vital to maintaining comfort and quality of life. v 24-Hour Toll-Free Helpline 0800 21 21 21 Article