Endocrinology Flashcards
(16 cards)
PPID Signalment
Older horses (>15y)
All breeds, both sexes
PPID Clinical Signs
Hirsutism/hypertrichosis
Hyperhidrosis
Pu/pd (rare)
Infections (sinus, resp, GI parasites)
“Weight loss,” pot belly, muscle loss
Hoof abscesses
Chronic or recurrent laminitis
What are the testing recommendations for PPID?
What can cause a false positive with PPID diagnosis?
ACTH and cortisol levels are typically higher in the fall
Stress can falsely elevate ACTH and cortisol
PPID Treatment
Dopamine agonists (Pergolide, Bromocriptine)
Antiserotonergic actions (cyproheptadine)
Monitoring PPID response to therapy
Clinical signs
Endogenous ACTH
Dex suppression test
EMS Clinical Signs
Obesity (crest of neck, gluteal region, sheath, omental fat)
“Easy keepers”
Laminitis
Difficult to breed
Pu/pd (rare)
Hypoactive
High cholesterol
EMS Signalment
Peruvian pasos, ponies, saddlebreds, morgan horses, warmbloods - the “hardy” breeds
Adult-middle ages horses (younger)
What is the hallmark of EMS?
Insulin resistance = glucose intolerance
How does the glucose tolerance test work?
Diagnosis of EMS/ IR Assessment
How does the oral sugar test work?
How to differentiate PPID from EMS?
Testing of the hypothalmic/pituitary axis should be WNL in horses with EMS
TSH will be normal with EMS/insulin resistance
Treatment of EMS
Weight reduction improves insulin sensitivity
Do not feed less than 1% of BW, avoid feeds with a high glycemic index (grains, molasses)
Restrict grazing!
EMS Medical Therapy
Levothyroxine
Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors
Metformin (only small number of horses)
EMS prognosis
Good if laminitis is controlled, husbandry is good, nutrition is appropriate
