Common Equine Diseases: Metabolic and Endocrine Diseases

Question 1

What is the causative agent of Hypothyroidism?

Answer 1

Low T3 and T4

Question 2

What are the clinical signs of Hypothyroidism?

Answer 2

Slow or absence of shedding Long rough hair coat
Intolerance to cold Depression
Weakness Lack of muscle tone
Tying up Laminitis
Infertility Irregular heat cycles
Lack of milk production

Question 3

How is Hypothyroidism diagnosed in horses?

Answer 3

CBC
Serum chemistry panel
TSH stimulation test

Question 4

How is Hypothyroidism treated?

Answer 4

Supplemental T3 and T4

Question 5

What is the causative agent of Cushing Disease?

Answer 5

Hyperadrenocorticism

Cortisol excess

Question 6

What are the clinical signs of Cushing’s disease?

Answer 6

PU/PD Long, thick, curly hair coats Failure to shed in the spring
Sway back Dull hair coats Pot belly
Laminitis Weight loss Increased appetite
Depression Increased sweating
Fat deposits in the supraorbital fossa

Question 7

How is Cushing’s disease diagnosed?

Answer 7

ACTH
Cortisol
Insulin
Glucose

Question 8

How is Cushing’s disease treated?

Answer 8

Cyproheptadine or pergolide mesylate

Question 9

What are the causative agents for Equine Metabolic Syndrome?

Answer 9

Genetic predisposition, obesity, high sugar diets, lack of exercise, concurrent illnesses

Question 10

What are the clinical signs of Equine Metabolic Syndrome?

Answer 10

Abnormal fat deposits around the crest, behind the shoulder, the rump and above the eyes.
Hard time losing weight, recurring episodes of laminitis

Question 11

How is Equine Metabolic Syndrome diagnosed?

Answer 11

Clinical signs
History
Physical exam
Insulin testing
Oral sugar testing
Leptin

Question 12

How is Equine Metabolic Syndrome treated?

Answer 12

Dietary management

Question 13

Can Equine Metabolic Syndrome be reversed?

Answer 13

Yes but it is a lot of work