what to feed a horse with cushing's

Full Answer

How to treat Cushing’s disease in horses?

Diet Solutions. Instead, feed your horse a diet that is high in protein and fiber; seek out types of feeds that meet your requirements or find feeds specially formulated for horses with Cushing’s disease. Your horse should also be given vitamins and minerals such as salt, magnesium, chromium, vanadium and sulfur.

What should you not feed a Cushing’s horse?

This horse is overly shaggy and furry, and has the pot-bellied appearance of a typical Cushing’s horse. In general, you’ll want to avoid all grain and/or feed with molasses, this includes eliminating treats, horse cookies and candies since they are high in sugars.

What do you feed a horse with high energy requirements?

Increased energy requirements can be met by feeding alfalfa (lucerne) hay or chaff, super-fibers such as beet pulp and soy hulls, or a low- to moderate-NSC feed. Feeds that are higher in fat (greater than 6%) are preferred as they are less reliant on carbohydrates for energy.

What is the best diet for senior horses?

The objective is to feed a diet that has less than 10 to 20 percent of total digestible energy (the combination of sugars and starch, or NSCs). High-fiber components, such as these found in hay, hay cubes, pasture, and beet pulp, should constitute the main portion of a senior horse’s diet.

Can horses with Cushings have hay?

Feeding a Cushings Horse Hay and other fibrous feedstuffs should make up the majority of the horse's diet. The typical horse eats between 1% to 2% of his body weight in forage. So, the average 1,000-pound horse should be fed 15 to 20 pounds of hay per day.

Can horses with Cushing's eat grass?

Pasture grasses can have a high NSC content, especially during the spring and fall seasons, and the risk of colic and laminitis is greater when horses are on pasture. Since laminitis and founder are more common in horses with Cushing's disease, pasture grazing should be severely limited or totally avoided.

Is beet pulp good for horses with Cushings?

Triple Crown Senior (http://www.triplecrownfeed.com/products/feeds/senior-horse-feed- formula-seniorhorsefeed) is a beet pulp-based, textured feed recommended for Cushing's horses that have a hard time maintaining weight and need a little extra fat, without the extra carbohydrates.

Are Oats good for horses with Cushings?

Even though oats are the grain lowest in sugar and starch, at around 45 to 50% starch they are still far too high in starch for horses on a low sugar and starch diet, eg insulin resistant horses, horses prone to laminitis, those with disorders like Cushings or PSSM etc, as well as many horses who are prone to ulcers, ...

Can you reverse Cushings in horses?

Although Cushing's can't be cured, administration of this medication can help control symptoms, and possibly slow the progression of the disease. If your horse is showing a lot of clinical signs of Cushing's disease, your vet may even recommend initiating treatment before the ACTH or LDD tests come back positive.

How do you take care of a horse with Cushing's disease?

Many horses with Equine Cushing's disease are able to continue their athletic careers, and exercise is always helpful for their metabolism. If your horse is sound, then keep up his regular exercise. If he is less athletic but sound then you can try to ride, long-rein, or lead him out at a brisk walk regularly.

What grain should I feed my horse with Cushings?

Increased energy requirements can be met by feeding alfalfa (lucerne) hay or chaff, super-fibers such as beet pulp and soy hulls, or a low- to moderate-NSC feed. Feeds that are higher in fat (greater than 6%) are preferred as they are less reliant on carbohydrates for energy.

What happens if you don't treat Cushings in horses?

If a horse has untreated Cushing's Disease, it is more likely to develop laminitis and the laminitis will be more difficult to control. If an equine has any of the clinical signs suggestive of Cushing's, a blood sample can be taken to check ACTH levels in the blood.

How quickly does Prascend work?

Clinical improvement is usually expected within 6-12 weeks of starting Prascend treatment, however the length of time between initiation of treatment to being able to see a response can vary from one horse or pony to another.

What horse feed is high in phosphorus?

Horses get phosphorus from many different feeds, including forages and oats. Feeds with particularly high phosphorus concentrations include wheat bran and rice bran. The phosphorus found naturally in grains and forages is considered organic, and is often bound to molecules called Phytates.

How does apple cider vinegar help horses?

Apple Cider Vinegar works to acidify the horse's stomach for better digestion, cleansing the digestic tract. It can also aid in the absorption of minerals and helps balance the acid/alkaline ratio which is essential for good health.

Can you feed Quaker oats to horses?

Oats are a naturally grown type of grain that can be used as a feed for your horse. One of the primary benefits of feeding oats is that they are considered one of the most easily digested types of starch that you can provide for your horse.

Can you feed alfalfa to laminitis?

Increased energy requirements can be met by feeding alfalfa (lucerne) hay or chaff, super-fibers such as beet pulp and soy hulls, or a low- to moderate-NSC feed.

Can you feed a horse with Cushing's disease?

Feeding Horses with Cushing’s Disease. Feeding horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also called Cushing’s disease, can sometimes be difficult because these horses are often older, overweight or underweight, and may have insulin resistance, with or without recurrent laminitis.

Can horses have insulin resistance?

Feeding horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also called Cushing’s disease, can sometimes be difficult because these horses are often older, overweight or underweight, and may have insulin resistance, with or without recurrent laminitis.

Can horses eat pellets?

If extra energy is needed, feeds with moderate carbohydrate content, fed in small meals, are acceptable. Some horses may do well on just a balancer pellet rather than a traditional feed. Obese horses with PPID should be managed ...

What is the goal of feeding a horse with Cushing's disease?

The goal in feeding a horse with Cushing’s, is to limit the intake of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) feeds , such as the sugars and starches found in grains. In many cases, feeds that are labeled as “senior” feeds are also high in NSC content and should be avoided when feeding a horse with Cushing’s disease.

How much hay should a horse eat?

Most horses will eat between 1½ to 2 percent of their body weight per day in forage. (For example, a 1000-pound horse should be fed 15 to 20 pounds of hay per day.) It is important to recognize that some hays may contain high levels of NSC, depending on the species of grass and when and how it was harvested.

What percentage of energy should a senior horse eat?

The objective is to feed a diet that has less than 10 to 20 percent of total digestible energy (the combination of sugars and starch, or NSCs). High-fiber components, such as these found in hay, hay cubes, pasture, and beet pulp, should constitute the main portion of a senior horse’s diet. Most horses will eat between 1½ to 2 percent ...

Can an older horse have PPID?

A: It is not uncommon for an older horse to develop pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction or PPID, most often referred to as Cushing’s disease.

Does pergolide help with cushings?

A Cushing’s horse also benefits from the effects of medication like pergolide, which can reduce the clinical signs and secondary effects of the pituitary malfunction. This medication facilitates the horse’s best use of a Cushing’s “diet.”. Read more on Cushing’s Disease >>.

What to feed a senior horse with PPID?

Senior-type feeds, sweet feed, or oats with hay can be fed if additional dietary energy is needed. Obese horses with PPID should be fed similar to horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) to encourage weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of laminitis.

Why is pasture grass high in NSC?

Owners should be advised to be aware during times of the year when pasture grasses can be high in NSC because PPID can worsen insulin insensitivity in susceptible horses and result in laminitis. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) concentrations have been shown to have seasonal variation and be highest in September.

Can you feed a horse with Cushing's disease?

Feeding horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also known as equine Cushing's disease, can sometimes be difficult because horses affected with PPID are often older, underweight, and may have insulin resistance with or without recurrent laminitis.

Should horses with PPID be allowed to work?

Whenever possible, horses with PPID should be allowed turnout time, as exercise improves insulin sensitivity. Forced exercise or work should be reserved for horses that do not have active laminitis and are free of musculoskeletal disorders. ADVERTISEMENT. ico_unmute.

Does pasture grass have insulin?

Insulin concentration is positively associated with increased carbohydrates in pasture grass. Frank and coworkers measured ACTH concentrations over a one-year period in mature to aged horses kept at pasture. Mean ACTH concentration was highest from August through October.

What hormones are produced by ACTH?

ACTH in turn causes the adrenal glands to secrete another hormone in excess: cortisol. Cortisol is a well-known stress hormone with several roles within the body, including increasing blood glucose concentrations to provide the body with the fuel needed to fight the stress.

What is the cause of Cushing's disease?

Cushing’s Disease is the result of a tumour in the pituitary gland , which is located within the lower region of the brain. The tumour causes the pituitary to secrete large amounts of the hormone adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH in turn causes the adrenal glands to secrete another hormone in excess: cortisol.

What is the best score for a Henneke horse?

Alternatively, some Cushing’s horses are overweight, and that puts them at extra risk of laminitis. A Henneke body condition score of 5 would be ideal.

What is a cushings horse?

What is Cushings? Cushing’s Disease, or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), is a relatively common, progressive condition that affects older horses (generally 18-plus years). Symptoms of Cushing’s include a longer and often curly hair coat that doesn’t shed as easily in the summer, and increased water consumption and urination.

Is dexamethasone a good test for horses?

Veterinary care for these horses is particularly important and includes a careful diagnosis. The dexamethasone suppression test is considered the “gold standard;” this synthetic hormone should suppress normal cortisol secretion in healthy horses, but wouldn’t in Cushing’s-affected horses. This test can be risky, however, ...

Can a horse with Cushing's disease have insulin resistance?

These horses may also develop insulin resistance as a result of increased glucose and insulin in their system. The excess cortisol also acts as an immunosuppressant (it is a type of steroid) ...

What to feed a senior horse with Cushing's syndrome?

If your horse is not maintaining weight, you may need to increase the feeding rate of the senior feed or add a low starch, rice bran based high fat supplement. Most senior horses with Cushing’s Syndrome do very well on a senior feed and appropriate medication.

What do Cushing's horses need?

Cushing’s syndrome horses require a hay or pasture source that is low in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), so you might want to have your forage tested. They do well on senior feeds that are fortified with lysine, methionine, biotin, vitamin E and organic trace minerals (copper, zinc, manganese and selenium) to help maintain muscle mass, ...

How much NSC should a horse eat?

Research which established some of the current recommendations of 10-13% NSC in the diet for Cushing’s Syndrome or Equine Metabolic Syndrome horses is based on total diet intake.

Is Safe Choice Senior Horse Feed good for horses?

It has all the amino acid, vitamin, and mineral content they need to stay feeling their best, while keeping that NSC low and the calorie level low. For horses that need a few more calories, our SafeChoice Senior horse feed is a great option. Also has all the nutrition they need, but more calories from fat.

Can you give horses pergolide?

As the number of horses known to have Cushing’s Syndrome increases, questions on how to feed horses with this condition also increase. As a starting management practice, your veterinarian may recommend pergolide as an added medication for your horse. This is available from a number of pharmaceutical sources by prescription.

How to keep a horse healthy?

Aim to keep your horse or pony at a healthy weight. Click here to learn how to monitor your horse’s bodyweight. Ensure your horse’s diet is balanced. A balanced diet is very important as horses with PPID/Cushing’s Disease may have a compromised immunity and poor skin condition. If you are feeding less than the recommended amount ...

What are the signs of PPID in horses?

Excessive urination and drinking. Lethargy. Loss of muscle tone. An increased susceptibility to laminitis. If you are worried that your horse or pony is showing signs of PPID/Cushing’s Disease then you should consult your vet who may carry out a blood a test.

Can a horse with PPID eat hay?

Horses with PPID can be fussy. Offering different types of high-fibre feeds may tempt them to eat. If your horse doesn’t eat much hay in the stable, try offering a bucket of chopped fibre feed alongside to see if you can encourage your horse to eat more fibre.

Is alfalfa good for horses?

As alfalfa is naturally low in both sugar and starch, there are a number of feeds in our range that are suitable. Your horse’s diet should be balanced and provide a level of energy appropriate to your horse’s condition and workload – not all horses with PPID/Cushing’s Disease are overweight! Low calorie horse feeds for overweight horses ...

Can PPID cause laminitis in horses?

The underlying endocrine problems of PPID/ Cushing’s Disease can increase the risk of laminitis in horses and ponies. Those that have EMS, as well as PPID are at an even greater risk of laminitis. The trigger that ultimately results in the clinical signs of laminitis is often diet-related and is usually due to excessive consumption ...

How much starch should I feed my horse with PPID?

We recommend feeding no more than 1g of starch per 1kg of bodyweight per meal.

How often should I weigh my horse for PPId?

We recommend taking your horses fat score and weighing them using our scientifically validated weigh tape every fortnight.

Why do horses need amino acids?

Essential amino acids are very important for muscle growth and remodelling and ensuring you have the right source and amount is essential.

What is the most common endocrine abnormality in horses?

Equine Cushing's Disease, now better defined as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), is one of the most common endocrine abnormalities of horses and one of the most common diseases in horses older than 15 years of age.

Do horses need electrolytes?

In some cases, a specific electrolyte supplement might be needed to maintain the electrolyte balance within the body.

Can horses eat starch?

Avoid feeds that are high in starch or sugar: Horses and ponies with PPID struggle to maintain normal blood concentrations of glucose and insulin. Feeding high levels of sugar and starch will make this worse as it will lead to a rapid increase in blood glucose, and hence insulin levels. This increases the risk of insulin resistance ...

How to tell if a horse has Cushing's disease?

Many horses grow thick coats for the winter and shed it out in the summer. Horses with Cushing’s disease will have a noticeably thick coat all year long. They will also develop excessive thirst and can drink three or four times as much water than they normally would. Some horses can also suffer from tooth and hoof rot, as well as developing lameness issues.

What causes Cushing's disease in horses?

Cushing’s disease primarily affects older horses. It’s caused by the malfunctioning of the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland is responsible for regulating hormones, which controls a number of important bodily functions, such as growth, metabolism, and the immune system. Horses that have metabolism problems as ...

Can Cushing's cause weight gain in horses?

Horses that have metabolism problems as a result of Cushing’s will also develop other problems such as diabetes. Diabetes can lead to severe weight gain, even if your horse is fed a minimal amount of hay or grain. Weight gain then leads to other problems with the joints, hips and feet of the horse.

Can horses eat sugar?

If your horse has weight issues , it'’s imperative that you do not feed your horse any treats or grain with high amounts of carbohydrates and sugars. Sugar cubes, apples, sweet feed and other things high in carbohydrates and sugars should be eliminated.