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Discussion on Cushinoid horse with continued exercise intolerance
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New Member:
carylann
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 6, 2011 - 7:45 pm:
I have a 13 yr old QH that has been on pergoglide for 10 months. Was dx on basis of symptoms and abnormal cortisol rythym 2 yrs ago. couldnt believe it so didnt start meds initially. He has been re-evaluated and on meds, good cortisol level now but still gets very tired on trail rides, and is off his feed alot but grazes fine. My question is should I not expect him ever to have good endurance, or should I be looking for other problems. Never had a horse with cushings before. I have a EPSM horse that had excercise intolerence initially and Ive been concerned that maybe he has another cause of problems too. HELP
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Aug 8, 2011 - 8:51 pm:
Welcome Caryl,
Generally horses with Cushings have a good appetite and endurance problems are associated with secondary problems like loss of muscle mass. Assuming that you are not just expecting too much from your horse, I would be looking for other problems as Cushing's alone does not seem to explain these problems.
DrO
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New Member:
carylann
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 11, 2011 - 9:30 pm:
Charlie has started eating again. Seems he prefers molasses flavor pergolide instead of apple flavor. His problems on hills seem to occur whether or not we are on a one hour or 4 hour ride. We camp with our horses on weekends, not lately as it is still too hot. We just walk and usually stop for lunch and rest the boys, loosen girths,etc. I dont ride more than an hour with out water access for the horses. Usually it is a longer slow incline hill or numerous small hills that cause him to stop. We always listen to him if he needs a rest. Ill have to check his heart rate next time. Been a while since I checked it. My horse vet mentioned growth hormone when I said Charlie still got tired on rides and has to rest alot. We had just got his latest report back. Good levels on resting cortisol. He had me start him on thyroid 2 months ago. Levels are high normal now so we have decreased thyroid at present time. Thanks, Caryl
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 13, 2011 - 8:22 pm:
Hello DrK,
I don't know how GH would benefit your horse. Just as unlikely that Cushings is responsible for the exercise intolerance is that your horse suffers from hypothyroidism, for more on this see HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Endocrine System » Hypothyroidism in Adult Equines.
The first step is here is a good physical exam followed by a complete lab work up. A pre and post ride check might be illuminating. If this is all normal you really need to consider that your horse needs more time to work up to his work load. If you feel you have done all this consider a referral to a institution where they can do further cardiovascular and muscoskeletal evaluations.
DrO
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