PPID and Dental Disease
Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), also known as Cushing’s Disease, is one of the most common diseases affecting senior horses. This disease affects the pituitary gland and results in an over-production of hormones. The most recognized symptom of PPID is a long, curly coat that does not shed out properly. Other symptoms can include muscle loss, abnormal fat deposits, excessive sweating, laminitis, and repeated infections - including skin infections, hoof abscesses, periodontal disease, and sinus infections.
While the testing and treatment of PPID is not something that we handle in our dentistry-only practice, we do intensely manage the dental care of senior horses. Because PPID makes horses susceptible to infection and impedes healing, it increases their risk for periodontal disease and sinus infections. When we examine senior horses of unknown PPID status with advanced dental disease that requires aggressive management, tooth extraction, or a sinus procedure, we highly recommend that these horses are first tested for and started on PPID treatment (if positive) before proceeding. Untreated dental disease in a horse with uncontrolled PPID can be life threatening.
If you suspect your senior horse has PPID, ask your veterinarian to draw blood for testing. It is not recommended to test for PPID in the fall due to the high incidence of false positives. Pergolide is the drug prescribed for the treatment of PPID. We advise you to follow your veterinarian’s treatment recommendations as it can greatly improve the quality of life of your senior horse.
While the testing and treatment of PPID is not something that we handle in our dentistry-only practice, we do intensely manage the dental care of senior horses. Because PPID makes horses susceptible to infection and impedes healing, it increases their risk for periodontal disease and sinus infections. When we examine senior horses of unknown PPID status with advanced dental disease that requires aggressive management, tooth extraction, or a sinus procedure, we highly recommend that these horses are first tested for and started on PPID treatment (if positive) before proceeding. Untreated dental disease in a horse with uncontrolled PPID can be life threatening.
If you suspect your senior horse has PPID, ask your veterinarian to draw blood for testing. It is not recommended to test for PPID in the fall due to the high incidence of false positives. Pergolide is the drug prescribed for the treatment of PPID. We advise you to follow your veterinarian’s treatment recommendations as it can greatly improve the quality of life of your senior horse.