This horse is most likely suffering from Equine Cushing's Disease also know by the acronym PPID [Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction]. Over the past 20 years great strides have been taken in the research behind diagnosing and treating this condition. We now know that disease begins with a decrease in the production of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Lack of dopamine production causes the pituitary, a small gland at the base of the brain, to enlarge and produce excess amounts of the hormone ACTH. Excessive ACTH in the body leads to an overproduction of the hormone cortisol, sometimes referred to as the stress hormone. Excess cortisol as well as the enlarged pituitary, a pituitary adenoma, can lead to the clinical signs we see associated with this condition. Below are pictures showing where the pituitary is located as well as a brain with a very large pituitary tumor [large lump in the center].
Tune in next week for another question related to PPID!
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