|
|
Discussion on Cushings Disease - 25 yr old Mare not cycling symptomatic of Cushings?
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
lilo
|
Posted on Saturday, Apr 23, 2011 - 10:21 am:
Hi, Dr. O and all,
My horses were just getting their spring check-up and vaccinations. I just re-read the article on Cushings disease.
The 25 year old mare is slow to shed this spring and has a longer than usual hair coat, so I was already suspecting Cushings. She is not depressed, and her condition is similar to the last couple of years (fat deposits behind withers, on tail head and cresty neck - however, ribs are showing and weight tape showed about 50 lbs lighter than last spring). She is not drinking abnormally and urinating excessively, and her hooves are in good shape.
My vet wanted to run tests to confirm Cushings, but I declined. Per your Article, I should be able to maintain her for some time with good management, and that is what I am choosing to do. She had her teeth floated yesterday and that was certainly needed.
My question: She has never been obvious about her heat cycles and I am not sure she came into heat this spring, although there was a time when she was very sensitive about being groomed which I have always blamed on her being in heat in the past. My vet feels that not coming into season is one of the symptoms of Cushings. Do older mares stop cycling, whether having Cushings or not?
Thanks,
Lilo
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Sunday, Apr 24, 2011 - 8:12 am:
Hello Lilo,
Ask your vet what s/he would recommend you do different if the test comes back positive or negative for that matter.
While it would not surprise me that a horse with moderate to severe Cushings might enter "menopause" earlier I suspect those that still maintain good condition and have no evidence of chronic disease would go on cycling.
Put "menopause" in the search frame above and you will find several discussions on this.
DrO
|
Member:
lilo
|
Posted on Sunday, Apr 24, 2011 - 11:37 am:
Thanks, DrO. I will check the discussions. I would consider Pergolide (I think that is what my vet had in mind) if I really felt the mare was suffering. At this time I will continue managing her.
Thanks,
Lilo
|
|
|
