Pony Magazine Australia Autumn 2018

PONY MAGAZINE

AUSTRALIA Autumn 2018

Industry News

Hyperlipaemia

The Weight Debate

Vale Ardenhall Royal Secret (imp)

PONY MAGAZINE

AUSTRALIA AUTUMN 2018

OWNER/EDITOR B.M. Williams Ba. Eq. Science bpurcellequine@hotmail.com WEB http://www.ponymagazineaustralia.com ABN: 87 845 173 370

DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. All material appearing in Pony Magazine Australia is subject to copyright and remains the property of Pony Magazine Australia, or the individual contributors. No material may be reproduced or reprinted in any manner, way or form without prior permission from the publisher.

Any opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of Pony Magazine Australia, and while all effort is made to ensure that all facts are correct and up to date, to the extent permitted by law, Pony Magazine Australia accepts no responsibility whatsoever in relation to any advice, representation, statement, opinion or other matter expressed in the magazine. Pony Magazine Australia does not accept responsibility for any errors in advertisements, articles, unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. we recommend seeking veterinary advice, or the appropriate health care professional, prior to giving your pony any treatment or change of diet.

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AUSTRALIA AUTUMN 2018 IN THIS ISSUE: FROM THE EDITOR NEWS: NEW STRANGLES VACCINE ON THE HORIZON NEW WORMER PROMISES TO CHANGE THE WAR ON WORMS THE WEIGHT DEBATE HYPERLIPAEMIA VALE ARDENHALL ROYAL SECRET (IMP) PATRICK MCNELIS- ARTIST EQUINE CUSHINGS DISEASE

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FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome back to another issue of Pony Magazine Australia. In this issue we take a look at a variety of subjects. Autumn is the time of year to get those ponies tested for PPID, better known as Cushing’s Syndrome. For this reason we have included a brief article outlining the condition, as well as covering Hyperlipaemia, another disease that tends to affect ponies.

We were deeply saddlened to hear of the passing of the show pony extraordinaire Ardenhall Royal Secret (imp), the pony who gave Charlotte Dujardin her first taste of success. Since this time Royal Secret has been here in Australia producing a fantastic family of beautiful ponies and we pay homage to this lovely mare and her descendants.

There has been some exciting developments in the industry when it comes to research with the release of a number of products due shortly. These items are covered in the news section. Our feature this month is a topic that has been at the fore recently owing to a number of new studies into the matter. The weight debate, focusing on rider to horse weight ratios, has attracted much interest and this month we look into what the research is saying.

Please enjoy this issue, and if you have any stories of interest please feel free to contact me,

Brooke OWNER/EDITOR PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

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NEWS

New Strangles Vaccine on the Horizon The Animal Health Trust, in conjunction with the Swedish University of Agricultureal Sciences, the Karolinska Institute and Intervacc AB are in the process of developing a new breakthrough strangles vaccine.

In clinical trials, the vaccine, Strangvac, was shown to have protected over 80% of horses from the disease and demonstrated a good safety margin. Strangles is caused by the Streptococcus equi bacteria and results in acute fever, swollen lymph nodes (which may abcess) and a thick mucous discharge from the nostrils.

Youngstock are most commonly affected, and while the majority of horses will make a recovery, the disease can result in chronic disease, and in some cases death.

The vaccine is protein-based and was created using genome sequencing technology. This new development brings about a new era in fighting this highly contagious and debilitating disease. While the current vaccine can result in a reduction of symptoms.

It is anticipated that the vaccine will be available by 2020.

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NEWS

New Product Promises to Change the War on Worms A new product developed by Chris Lawler, head of International Animal Health Care Products, promises to shift the direction of the war on worms in our favour.

BioWorma has been some three decades in the making and is due to be released on the Australian market shortly. The product is derived from the fungus Duddingtonia flagrans, which occurs naturally worldwide. D. flagrans is a nematophagous fungus, which literally translates to ‘worm eating.’ The active constituent is fed to the animal but does not have any affect in the animal, rather passing through the digestive system unchanged to germinate in the manure and soil. Here the fungus works by physically trapping the forms of nematodes that contribute to re-infestation. This effectively breaks the lifecycle of the worms, keeping pasture clean.

This non-chemical product is designed to be used in conjunction with anthelmintics but is a huge step in the fight against resistant worms. Tests on efficacy and safety have been hugely promising, with reductions of up to 99% of free living nematode stages on pasture documented. The product is able to be used in such animals as sheep, goats, cattle and horses.

Bioworma has shown to be effctive against small and large strongyles, ascarids and pinworms, which are some of the most concerning and prevalent worms found in equines. Bioworma is to be approved for use in Australia and New Zealand shortly.

More information can be found by visiting: https://www.duddingtonia.com/

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THE WEIGHT DEBATE

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THE WEIGHT DEBATE Weight can be a sensitive subject at the

RECENT RESEARCH

best of times and rider weight has recently come into the spotlight. As riders, we all want to do the best we can for our faithful steeds. We spend more money outfitting them, perfecting their diet, and ensuring all of their tack fits than on our own clothes and food, but should we perhaps be looking at ourselves in the equation. Current research is trying to determine guidelines to ensure that horses are not overmounted and at risk of developing or exacerbating injury due to carrying riders deemed too heavy for them.

In 2016, for the second year in a row, officials at the Great Yorkshire Show attracted controversy when they asked riders deemed too heavy for their mounts to dismount.

They set the maximum allowed at 20% of horse weight and found that the problem was most prevalent in the warm up ring, with adults riding children’s ponies. The move has brought varying opinions on the subject to light, with many supporting the restrictions but also people upset by the decision.

In September last year the Animal Health Trust began a pilot study into the effect and implications of rider weight on their mounts, with the aim to establish guidelines as to what constitutes excessive rider size.

Parameters that were monitored included gait, behaviour, forces under saddle, alterations in back dimensions in response to exercise and level of the stress hormone

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THE WEIGHT DEBATE cortisol in saliva. Their response to palpation of the back was also noted. Six horses were studied with four different riders (all rode to an acceptable standard), each categorised as light, moderate, heavy or very heavy.

All horses finished the study moving well, but researchers noted that rider weight as a percentage of horse weight had a marked temporary effect on both gait and behaviour. Researchers also concluded that any problems caused by ill-fitting tack are accentuated by heavier riders.

The suggestion was not that heavier individuals should not ride, but that they need to ensure that they choose a mount

suitable for their size and that all tack fits correctly.

A study appearing in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science in 2008 (Powell et al.) looked into whether horse height, loin width and cannon bone circumference could be used to indicate the weight-carrying ability of a horse.

They found that a wider loin and cannon bone circumference did indicate better weight-carrying capacity, but there were significant differences between parameters tested where rider weight was 25% or 30% of horse’s weight (compared to 15% or 20%). Heart rates remained elevated at these weight percentages and muscles

below: matching a rider to a mount is not just about aesthetics, excess weight can cause problems in both the long and short term.

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THE WEIGHT DEBATE soreness and tightness were more likely at 25% and significantly higher at 30%.

Another pilot study (Benton, K.M. 2006 ‘The Effects of Increasing a Rider’s Weight on a Horse’s Stride’) found that horses adjusted their stride when extra weight was carried, spending more time in stance phase.

The general recommendation is that a horse can carry 15 to 20% of its bodyweight. This includes any tack, as well as the weight of the rider. Researcher with the Animal Health Trust Sue Dyson (head of clinical othopaedics) does not believe that ponies are the only equines subject to being overmounted, “The whole problem is growing,” she says, stating that horses are just as likely to be subject to excess weights as ponies.

“There is no evidence to suggest that cobs and mountain and mooreland ponies are any different to other horses and poniesexcept they tend to be overweight unless managed carefully,” she adds when asked about whether they should be subject to different conditions.

While ponies are well-known for their weight-carrying capacity as utility animals, show ponies are subject to workouts on a circle, where extra pressure is put on the joints and muscles, on top of the tendency to be overweight. Sue also stresses the importance of correctly fitting tack, “The seat of the saddle and flaps need to be appropriate for the rider so that they can ride in balance. This is particularly true for tall child riders and small adults who are not necessarily too heavy.”

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MOST RESEARCH APPEARS TO SUPPORT A 20% RIDER TO HORSE WEIGHT RATIO. IT MUST BE KEPT IN MIND THAT THIS INCLUDES TACK AND CLOTHING. As people tend to be less active and mobile as a population it would appear as though we are getting bigger. Busy schedules leave less time for exercise and active tasks that were once commonplace are now replaced by less strenuous options (surely a machine to pick up boxes is somewhere on the horizon). On the opposite scale, horses and ponies are perhaps getting smaller. Finer legs less suited for carrying weight all day, more extravagant (but finer) fronts, smaller quarters. These days a lot of horses and ponies are bred to look pretty in the AUTUMN 2018

THE WEIGHT DEBATE

“There is no evidence to suggest that cobs and mountain and mooreland ponies are any different to other horses and ponies-except they tend to be overweight unless managed carefully,” Sue Dyson, Researcher with the Animal Health Trust. ring, move extravagantly in the dressage arena, jump higher etc. and are not so much required to be the workhorses that they once were.

For more information you can visit the Animal Health Trust at http://www.aht.org.uk

While these weight recommendations are designed to be used as a guide, numerous studies have shown that anything over the 20% weight ratio inflicts discomfort and perhaps even pain on the horse. While there are many variables, such as individuality between horses and their conformation and substance, fitness levels and conditioning, and differences in rider ability and balance, this 20% recommendations appears to be reasonable and is definitely a great start to developing appropriate guidelines.

REFERENCES

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Benton, Kathleen M., “The Effect of Increasing A Rider’s Weight on A Horse’s Stride” (2006).

University of Tennessee Honors Thesis Projects. http://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_ chanhonoproj/934 Powell, D., Bennett-Wimbush, K., Peeples, A. & Duthie, M. (2008). Evaluation of indicators of weight-carrying ability of light riding horses.

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 28(1), 2833.

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PONY MAGAZINE

AUSTRALIA WINTER 2018

WINTER WARMING FEEDS TO CLIP OR NOT TO CLIP WINTER RUG GUIDE PREVENTING WINTER COLIC

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HYPERLIPAEMIA Hyperlipaemia is a condition commonly found in miniature ponies, miniature horses and donkeys. It is a disease that can rapidly result in organ failure and death, so a confirmed diagnosis and treatment is of great importance.

Overweight, obese ponies and pregnant and lactating mares are most at risk, the latter due to high energy demands. This condition manifests when negative energy balance (the body has a greater requirement for energy than the diet is providing) results in the body mobilising stored fatty acids from the adipose tissue. Liver triglyceride synthesis increases and there is accumulation of these fatty acids in the blood and tissues, in particular the liver and kidneys.

This negative energy balance may be the result of fasting, inadequate nutrition (i.e. not enough energy in the diet for requirements), or some form of stress, such as travelling, colic, surgery etc. It can not be stressed enough the importance of not fasting ponies, particularly those that are overweight. They must be provided with a consistent source of nutrition (preferably roughage

LEFT: MINIATURE PONIES, MINIATURE HORSE AND DONKEYS, AND IN PARTICULAR OVERWEIGHT, PREGNANT AND LACTATING PONIES ARE MOST AT RIK OF DEVELOPING HYPERLIPAEMIA. PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

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PRIMARY HYPERLIPAEMIA:

OCCURS WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF AN UNDERLYING DISEASE. COMMON IN MINIATURE PONIES, SHETLANDS AND DONKEYS.

such as hay), either in a slow feeder or small, frequent meals. Many owners believe that an overweight pony needs to have feed removed to ensure weight loss, everybody with ponies knows the importance of the ‘Jenny Craig’ paddock, but doing so can lead to this dangerous condition which can develop in as little as 12 to 24 hours into fasting.

Symptoms of hyperlipaemia are non-specific, making a home diagnosis difficult. Inappetence, diarrhoea, depression, weakness and reduced LINKED TO ANOTHER vitality are common initial signs, with muscle DISEASE PROCESS, twitches, signs of colic, lack of coordination, PARTICULARLY THOSE RELATED TO THE decreased water intake and oedema (swelling) GASTROINTESTINAL of the lower limbs occurring as the condition TRACT. MORE COMMON IN progresses. Ponies can collapse and die within MINIATURE HORSES. eight to ten days of onset of the disease due to infiltration of the liver and kidneys and subsequent organ failure. The prognosis for this disease, once developed, is generally quite poor and veterinary treatment is required.

SECONDARY HYPERLIPAEMIA:

Diagnosis is based on a combination of symptoms, history and plasma serum tests. Discoloured plasma due to high fatty acid content, and plasma serum concentrations above 500mg/dL will confirm a diagnosis. Liver and kidney enzymes will also be elevated as organ failure develops. Once plasma concentrations reach over 500mg/dL, treatment is often difficult in the short time it takes for the organs to fail. If there is a disease underlying the hyperlipaemia, this must be treated first to remove the initial stressor. Increased cortisol levels impact insulin and these must be dealt with. Ponies may be given intravenous fluids of heparin and/or glucose/insulin and may be given vitamin B supplementation. Nutritional support to correct the negative energy balance is of high importance. The aim is to increase serum glucose concentrations to avoid more fatty acids being mobilised and saturating the bloodstream and tissues.

Small meals at frequent intervals are required and blood glucose levels will most likely be monitored. Ponies with insulin resistance, which can be a predisposing factor to hyperlipaemia, may need to be managed differently.

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The best way to avoid hyperlipaemia is with proper nutritional management.

Ensure that ponies are fed in frequent small meals or have constant access to hay or pasture and do not fast ponies, particularly those that are overweight.

Ensure that the caloric needs of pregnant and lactating mares are being met.

If you think that your pony may have developed hyperlipaemia, veterinary intervention is imperative and urgent. Even with aggressively treated cases, ponies can still die and the earlier it is diagnosed, the better the chances of a recovery.

BELOW: IT CAN NOT BE STRESSED ENOUGH HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO AVOID FASTING PONIES, PARTICULARLY THOSE THAT ARE OVERWEIGHT AND ‘CRESTY’. DOING SO PUTS THEM AT HIGH RISK OF DEVELOPING HYPERLIPAEMIA. THIS CONDITION CAN DEVELOP IN AS LITTLE AS 12 TO 24 HOURS FOLLOWING REMOVAL OF food source.

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Vale

Ardenhall Royal Secret (imp)

The lovely mare Ardenhall Royal Secret (imp UK)

has died at the grand age of 31. Ardenhall Royal Secret requires no introduction to the showing fraternity here in Australia, being the matriarch of a highly successful family of show ponies.

Royal Secret was bred in the UK by Jane May of Ardenhall Stud, by Fairley Rembrandt and from Woodview Karelia. Affectionately known as Millie, she was a winner right from the start, taking out Supreme Foal at the Cheshire Foal Show in 1987 under Elizabeth Mansfield-Parnell. Jane described her as a ‘pony of a ardenhall royal secret lifetime.’ She was sold on to Joyce Newbery of Newoak (IMP) (fairley rembrandt x Stud as a two year old and produced by Ron and Debbie Thomas under saddle for many wins. She was later sold woodview karelia) photo: Jessie annebridge to the Dujardins, where her success continued.

This talented little mare became one of the most successful show ponies of the 90s. She won the Royal International Horse Show and Horse of the Year Show Championship double in 1994 with Emma-Jayne Dujardin and the pair amassed an impressive 18 consecutive unbeaten outings.

She gave the now famous Charlotte Dujardin her first taste of success in the ring, winning the Royal International Horse Show Championship in 1996 and the Horse of the Year Show Championship in 1997. She was also twice Supreme at the British Show Pony Society Championships.

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In 1998 Ardenhall Royal Secret was imported to Australia, carrying her first foal. She went to Lloyd Scott of LJS Riding Ponies and produced a lovely filly by Keston Tribune (UK) in LJS Royal Secret (IIU). She then produced, to Pendley Gold Cup (imp UK), another filly in LJS Keeping Secret. This mare was shown for just one season before being retired as a broodmare, but in this season she won Champion Show Pony at Canberra, ljs keeping secret (pendley gold cup imp x ardenhall royal Melbourne and Brisbane Royals and was Grand National Small Pony of the Year. secret) photo: lorelle mercer.

She has gone on to produce some beautiful foals for Whitmere Stud, including the lovely Whitmere Secret Agent.

While Ardenhall Royal Secret made a significant impact as a show pony in the UK, it is as a broodmare here in Australia that will ensure her legacy endures. In all, this lovely mare produced 14 foals; eight colts and six fillies. The majority of these would go on to be prolific winners and producers.

From LJS Riding Ponies, Royal Secret was sold to the Kolbeach Stud of Angelene Penaulrick, where her success continued with such stock as Kolbeach Royalist (Camargue Tribute imp), Kolbeach Royalty (Fairley Tempest imp) and Kolbeach Royal Secret (Fernleigh Fine Print imp). Kolbeach Royalty was Champion Colt and Supreme Youngstock Exhibit at Canberra Royal, as well as Champion Stallion at Adelaide Royal and Reserve Champion at Sydney, while his half-brother Kolbeach Royalist was Supreme Youngstock Exhibit at the South Australian Riding Pony Show and went on to win Ridden Stallion at both Melbourne Summer Royal and Canberra Royal, as well as being twice winner of the Riding Pony Stallion Under Saddle at Sydney Royal. Kolbeach Royal Print (Fernleigh Fine Print imp) was Supreme Led Australian Saddle Pony and Champion Led Part Welsh Stallion at Canberra Royal in 2014 and then backed these up last year by winning Reserve Champion Stallion or Colt as well as his Ridden Stallion class and Ridden Riding Pony Show Hunter Stallion at Canberra Royal. He has sired a number of successful stock at Marena Stud, including 2017 Queensland Small Galloway of the Year Marena Royal Flame.

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Ardenhall Royal Secret at Whitmere Stud In 2009 Ardenhall Royal Secret went to the Whitmere Stud of Darren Telford and Greg Gerry, where her influence has been significant. She produced four foals for them, but her progeny and grand-progeny have continued to make their mark on their program.

“Millie was outstanding by any measure,” says Darren, ‘She was not only beautiful, she was highly functional. Our association came from our time with LJS Riding Ponies and our faith in her as a mare came when she delivered LJS Keeping Secret (by Pendley Gold Cup imp). Keeping Secret was our ideal and has been an outstanding producer for Whitmere.” LJS Keeping Secret has bred some beautiful stock for Whitmere Stud, of which four mares are currently in the broodmare band as well as a number of granddaughters. whitmere palace secret (turberry tom kitten imp x ardenhall royal secret imp) photo: Lisa gordon little more grace photographics

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whitmere secret agent (colbeach splendour imp x ljs keeping secret) champion colt and overall supreme champion riding pony sydney royal easter show standing at whitmere stud PHOTO: GREG GERRY

She also produced for Darren and Greg the stallion Whitmere Secret Agent (Colbeach Splendour imp) who was shown sparingly but his wins included Supreme Champion Riding Pony at Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2010. He has sired some lovely stock which are following the family footsteps in the show ring and he currently stands at Whitmere.

Ardenhall Royal Secret’s last filly, Whitmere Palace Secret (Turberry Tom Kitten imp) has also been retained by Whitmere Stud and is featured in their current show team. This year her accolades rosedale royal windsor have included Champion Small (whitmere secret agent x rosedale simplicity) Pony of the Year at the Show champion colt and supreme champion riding pony Horse Council Masters Horse of canberra royal supreme champion riding pony victorian riding the Year Show and also Champion Small Pony at the Victorian pony show future stud sire for whitmere Agricultural Shows Saddle Horse photo: tungurra photograhy Championships. She will join the Whitmere broodmare band in the future.

Royal Secret and her descendants have offered breeders something very special, being consistent in both the show ring and the breeding paddock. “Millie had a very level temperament, but a very big engine,” says Darren, “Combined the two are a good PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

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recipe for ridden ponies that deliver under saddle. This is unquestionably what her progeny have done.” Her progeny and descendants have retained the high quality type and scope of their founder, the bloodline becoming renown for producing saddle specialists. whitmere top model (whitmere secret agent x whitmere top of the pops) champion pony at melbourne and sydney royals supreme champion riding pony canberra royal photo: bridey lee.

“We have kept these ponies and gone in this direction because they are pointing us towards our goal of producing beautiful riding ponies that are suitable for children (and adults) to ride and enjoy in the showring. They are of a type that we love, having structure and depth. By breeding from proven lines there is consistency, which is so important.” By focusing their program around this matriarch, Whitmere Stud has produced ponies of consistent type and quality, and has been able to see their stud into the future and beyond. There is no doubt that they will continue to make their mark on the show rings and the breeding programs of other studs. “At this stage we are able to enjoy watching the success of this family all over the country and through many other breeders, as Millie has left stock that contribute to the breeding plans of many top studs,” Darren explains.

Ardenhall Royal Secret spent the last nine years of her life with Darren and Greg and it is at their Whitmere Stud where she is laid to rest, the home of many of her outstanding descendants which will ensure the longevity of her legacy.

You can visit the Whitmere Ponies Facebook page here PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

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~INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE~

PATRICK MCNELIS ARTIST

Artist Patrick McNelis has used his passion and talent for drawing to support various charities for a number of years. His attention to detail and the accuracy of his pieces is incredible, combining dedication, talent and patience.

Patrick returned to drawing after 30

years of not touching a pencil. He stopped after leaving school at age 14 to join the Merchant Navy as a Deck Hand and did not pick up a pencil again until after having major surgery on his back and neck, which left him 70% disabled.

“Shortly after coming home from convalescence my wife had my last son,” Patrick says, “so I decided that I would have a go drawing him and thats what started me off drawing again and I have carried on doing so.”

Patrick creates beautifully detailed and expressive pieces that really capture the individual character of his subjects. He draws both horses and people, “I like to try and mix drawings, horses for the detail and structure of their head and people for their expressions.” He uses graphite pencils, mainly 2B to 4B, and each piece PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

can take anywhere between eight to 12 hours, depending on size.

Over the past ten years Patrick has completed various pieces for charities, giving them between 30 and 50% of the profit. “[It] made me feel good knowing that I could still help children, adults and animals through something I enjoy,” Patrick says, “I have drawn a few celebrities and had the drawings signed by them when drawing for the charities,” Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, David Beckham, Robbie Williams, Steve Gerrard the Liverpool football player, Heidi Klum, Sir Alex Ferguson, Australian and English Rugby players and well known jockeys and horse trainers are among Patrick’s impressive line-up of subjects.

Patrick is a member of the Society of AUTUMN 2018

Scottish Arts and The International Guild of Realism. He hopes to continue doing what he loves “I would like to see myself making a little name for myself but I am happy just doing what I do.”

Patrick is available for commissions and you can also see more of his work on his Facebook page: ‘McNelis Art’ and his website https://mcnelis-art.jimdosite.com/ Right: One of Patrick’s more recent pieces.

Below: Two drawing of famous racehorse California Chrome, completed by Patrick in 2017.

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EQUINE CUSHING’S SYNDROME AUTUMN IS THE TIME TO TEST FOR CUSHINGS AS IT IS AT THIS TIME OF YEAR THAT THE TEST IS MOST SENITIVE AND ACCURATE.

cushing’s syndrome is more prevalent in ponies and older equines, with reports of up to 20-33% of horses and ponies being affected by the age of 20.

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Equine Cushing’s Disease, or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), is a condition caused by a tumour or other dysfunction of the pituitary gland. The pitiutary gland controls most of the body systems of the horse via secretion of hormones. In Cushing’s Syndrome, the pars intermedia becomes enlarged and secretes large amounts of various hormones. Possibly the most concerning of these, and the one that causes many of the recognisable Cushings symptoms, is the stress hormone cortisol.

Commonly reported clinical symptoms associated with Cushing’s Syndrome include a heavy coat, often curly, which does not shed as normal, excessive thirst and urination, weight loss and lethargy, increased susceptibility to infection, a pot belly, muscle wastage, excessive sweating and poor heat tolerance, and fat deposits around the eyes, crest, above the tail and in the sheath area. Not all horses will display all symptoms, and degree will vary. Horses and ponies affected

by Cushing’s can be more prone to laminitis due to cortisol’s role in regulating blood sugar levels.

A diagnosis is possible by examining clinical symptoms as well as conducting tests. A number of diagnostic tests are available for Cushing’s but the most common one is the Endogenous ACTH Test. This test only requires a single blood sample, able to be taken at any time of the day, and is at it’s most accurate in the Autumn months.

Cushing’s Disease can not be cured, rather it must be managed to ensure longevity of the patient. Once a diagnosis is confirmed by blood tests, the most likely medication to be prescribed is Pergolide, which reduces the levels of ACTH and cortisol in the body. After a few months levels will generally be retested to ensure the medication is being given at the right dose.

Medication should be used in conjunction with recommended nutrition, dental and hoof care. Many Cushing’s patients are more prone to insulin resistance and laminitis so a low sugar and starch diet may be necessary. They also have trouble regulating body temperature, and clipping or extra rugs, depending on season, may be beneficial. While the condition can not be cured, in most cases it can be managed successfully for a number of years.

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