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Discussion on Cushings - but no history of laminitis.
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Member:
skeller
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 20, 2007 - 4:06 pm:
How common is Cushings diagnosed without any history of laminitis?
Other than the Dex/Suppression test (vet thinks too risky), what tests do you advise? Right now our vet is advising doing the Cortisol Rhythm test (which has a high incidence rate of being faulty) and then doing a trial of pergolide.
The horse in question that I'm taking care of (he's not mine though) is 25, with longer hair and a sudden onset of depression and personality change. (gone from the grumpy energizer bunny to mr. super laid back, no energy, kind've spaced out). He has had a high urine output for the last several years. Is cresty and has some muscle wasting. However absolutely no history of laminitis.
From reading the articles it looks to me like he's could fit easily in the profile with the exception of the laminitis.
Thanks for you input...
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 20, 2007 - 7:24 pm:
Hello Skeller,
In short often, most cases don't have laminitis. The most common clinical signs are given under the Diagnosis topic in the article and headed by "Clinical Signs".
DrO
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Member:
lynnea
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 21, 2007 - 2:54 pm:
The clinical signs listed here as Dr. O suggests you read are a very good guideline. I have two cushing horses....each horse showed different signs on the list. Katy had the excess drinking and urinating, depression, longer haircoat and losing muscle tone....all of this came on quite quickly. My vet had me put her on pergolide immediately, even before we ran tests. She showed no foot problems or laminitis. She has been on pergolide almost eight years now (she was 18 when she developed it. ) My other horse is a gelding who was 26 years old, started with excessive urine output, growing more hair than usual, depressed appetite and one morning he showed a slight laminitis in his left front foot. I put him pergolide immediately and in the last three years he has been great. His bloodwork showed cushings synDrOme, as did Katy's, but she has another factor, which is high glucose. I am very careful with the sugar with her....though I do give her small amount of Nutrena senior, she has done incredibly well.....also both of them are on timothy grass hay....the gelding on moistened pellets because of his teeth. Both are in good weight, but I am a firm believer in pergolide being the saving grace for the cushing horse, along with consistent and dedicated maintenance.
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