Equine Cushing's disease.

Summary

# Editorial Summary: Equine Cushing's Disease Equine Cushing's disease (ECD) represents a progressive dysfunction of the intermediate pituitary gland predominantly affecting older horses, frequently complicated by secondary conditions including laminitis, chronic infections, and aberrant lactation that significantly impact welfare and management. McCue's comprehensive review synthesises the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ECD alongside practical diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies to guide clinical decision-making in affected animals. The condition requires a multifaceted diagnostic approach combining clinical presentation with targeted endocrine testing, as clinical signs alone are insufficient for reliable confirmation. Medical intervention in ECD typically demands long-term or lifelong commitment from owners and practitioners, emphasising the importance of establishing accurate diagnosis early and selecting appropriate pharmacological protocols to manage the cascade of systemic complications. For equine professionals, understanding the interplay between pituitary dysfunction and secondary manifestations such as recurrent laminitis is essential for developing integrated management plans that address both the underlying endocrine disorder and its often debilitating sequelae.

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Key Findings

• •Equine Cushing's disease is a chronic progressive condition of the intermediate pituitary gland affecting older horses
• •Affected horses commonly develop secondary health problems including laminitis, chronic infections, and pseudolactation
• •Diagnosis relies on clinical signs combined with endocrine testing
• •Medical management typically requires long-term or lifelong commitment

Conditions Studied