Posted by Racer on November 6, 2000, at 12:08:19
In reply to Cushings disease in a five year old !!, posted by Kim Dorrington on November 6, 2000, at 10:11:18
Um, this isn't really the place to bring this one up -- this is a board for issues related to psychiatric medications...
That said, I may be able to say a few words about your problem.
In horses and dogs, as you probably know, Cushings is usually caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland. This interferes with the feedback mechanism which prompts the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a stress hormone. Because stress hormones are not great for a body to bathe in that way, your colt may not be able to sustain normal work. His ligaments and tendons may tend to be weakened by it, so I certainly wouldn't jump him. Higher level dressage is probably too stressful, too. Is there any chance you can retire him now, and start with a healthier horse?
As for the founder, get your vet and your farrier together on that one. Often, corrective shoeing can reverse rotation of the coffin bone.
Because Cushings is so unusual in a horse his age, it's worth having some tests done to make sure that his tumor is benign. I don't know what tests would be done, but your vet should be able to tell you or to refer you to a nearby vet school or hospital which can. I know that UC Davis and the vet school at Minnesota are both excellent.
Sorry to hear about your troubles, good luck.
poster:Racer
thread:48257
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001102/msgs/48265.html