2025 Update on PPID (Cushing’s Disease)

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) — also known as equine Cushing's disease — is an age-related, slowly progressive, degenerative disease that affects many horses. Typical signs that your horse may have PPID include a long, wavy hair coat that doesn’t shed, excessive thirst and urination, muscle wasting, and increased susceptibility to infections and laminitis.

If you suspect that your horse may have pre-Cushing’s or Cushing’s disease, it’s important to discuss this with your veterinarian and begin a treatment plan that may include medication as well as dietary management and general wellness care to promote longevity and ensure a good quality of life.

The Equine Endocrinology Group (EEG) is composed of experts who provide advice in the form of written guidelines to help veterinary practitioners diagnose and manage equine endocrine disorders. Guidelines are updated every two years.

Here are the most recent guidelines, released in October 2025:

Learn more:

https://www.bicanadaequine.ca/ppid/ppid-symptoms