|
    Check it Out!    
|
|
RideCamp@endurance.net
Cushing's Syndrome vs. Disease
Dear Maggie,
Cushing's Syndrome refers to the effects of too
much cortisol in the body. This can be caused by several different things
-
1. a tumor on the pituitary gland - pituitary
adenoma
2. a tumor on the adrenal gland
3. a reduced sensitivity of the receptor sites
in the hypothalamus system to cortisol, causing the body to produce more and
more.
The end effect in each of these situations, is too
much cortisol in the body. I would highly recommend that you have your vet
examine and, if appropriate, perform a dexamethasone suppression test. If
the horse's blood cortisol level is NOT reduced below a specific level, the
horse is considered to have Cushing's Syndrome. The most common cause
being the pituitary adenoma. The two drugs which are routinely used
to manage this condition are cyproheptidine and Permax (brand
name).
What this DOES NOT tell you is whether the horse
also is experiencing problems with the other two causes of Cushing's
Syndrome.
If the horse's blood level of cortisol DOES drop
below a specific level with the dexamethasone administration, then it is not
likely that you are dealing with a tumor. In these cases many are
experiencing good results with using chromiun picolinate (you can get it at GNC,
etc.) per day. It is believed that the chromium picolinate
helps increase the individual cells' sensitivity to the effects of
insulin.
Again, I can't emphasis enough the need to
have your veterinarian examine and provide specific advise for your horse.
Cushing's Syndrome is a complex endocrine disorder with serious
consequences.
Michael Van Noy, DVM
|
    Check it Out!    
|
|
Home
Events
Groups
Rider Directory
Market
RideCamp
Stuff
Back to TOC