Equine: Geriatric

Question 1

How old is a geriatric horse? A super geriatric horse?

Answer 1

> 20yrs geriatric, super is >30yrs

Question 2

What is pars pituitary intermedia dysfunction? (PPID)

Answer 2

AKA “cushing’s dz” endocrine disorder, benign tumor on pituaitary gland, excess prod of ACTH

symptoms are delayed shedding, laminitis, excessive sweating, excessive urination, muscle wasting

immuno comp (bc ACTH suppresses immune response), inc risk of 2nd infections like dental dz, pneumonia, parasitism, no prevention, lifelong pergolide to dec ACTH prod

Question 3

When do teeth stop erupting?

Answer 3

At 20yrs

Question 4

What happens when molars “cup out” then fall out?

Answer 4

uneven wear, fractures, abscessed tooth rot, sinusitis

Question 5

What should you do with dental dz?

Answer 5

test for PPID, teeth extractions, regular dental floats (6mo), easily digestive feed soaked alfalfa cube + senior grade pellets

Question 6

what happens with degenerative joint dz/osteoarthritis in eq?

Answer 6

very common - past history of injury or high lvl performance
not just apart of getting old, must address pain
intra-articular steroids with daily NSAIDs

Question 7

What do we worry about colic in geriatric horses??

Answer 7

susceptible to certain types of colid - impaction colic so unable to masticate feed well + strangulating lipomas
fast intervention - if immunocomp or arthritic
Old is not a dz but with old comes dz’s. Appropriate screening b4 committing to major procedures

Question 8

EMS VS PPID

Answer 8

PPID do not shed with typical