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Endocrine Hero

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Top of horse with blue background

Endocrine Health

Restore the Body

Equine Endocrine Health

 

The horse endocrine system is a collection of hormone producing organs that control many body functions including metabolism, growth, reproduction, stress response, and much more. Changes in the function of the endocrine system can lead to significant hormone imbalances and clinical dysfunction. 

 

Common endocrine disorders in horses: 

 

• Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID)

• Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)

 

One of the most common endocrine diseases in horses is PPID (previously referred to as equine Cushing’s disease), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. PPID causes the horse's pituitary gland, which utilizes hormones to control body functions, to work overtime. This can lead to a variety of problems ranging from delayed shedding, loss of muscle mass to several serious conditions including laminitis and secondary infections.

 

Diagnosing PPID requires a comprehensive approach using three main components: collecting a comprehensive patient history, conducting a detailed physical examination and submitting plasma samples for testing. For detailed information on our available testing program, diagnosis and other helpful information on PPID visit idppid.com.

 

PPID Treatment

When it comes to treating PPID in horses, the earlier the better. Pergolide is the drug of choice for PPID, and Prascend® (pergolide tablets) is the most proven treatment available to control the clinical signs associated with PPID. Using PRASCEND as part of PPID management protocol can help reduce the clinical signs of PPID.1 To find out more about Prascend visit PRASCEND.com.

 

Treatment with PRASCEND may cause loss of appetite. Most cases are mild. If severe, a temporary dose reduction may be necessary. PRASCEND tablets should not be crushed due to the potential for increased human exposure.

PPID Management

There is no cure for PPID, but most of the problems associated with clinical signs can be managed by a multi-modal process consisting of medical treatment, specific changes to nutrition and regular preventative health care and hoof/foot care. It’s important that you talk to your veterinarian about creating a management plan for your horse.

Products

Prascend package shot with box and tablets

Prascend®
(pergolide tablets)

The most proven treatment to control the clinical signs associated with PPID in horses. PRASCEND may cause loss of appetite. Most cases are mild. A temporary dose reduction may be necessary.

 

See Product Detail

Prascend®
(pergolide tablets)

The most proven treatment to control the clinical signs associated with PPID in horses. PRASCEND may cause loss of appetite. Most cases are mild. A temporary dose reduction may be necessary.

 

See Product Detail
Prascend package shot with box and tablets

PRASCEND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Treatment with PRASCEND may cause loss of appetite. Most cases are mild. If severe, a temporary dose reduction may be necessary. PRASCEND tablets should not be crushed due to the potential for increased human exposure. Keep PRASCEND in a secure location out of reach of dogs, cats, and other animals to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose. Refer to the package insert for complete product information.

1. PRASCEND [Freedom of Information Summary]. St. Joseph, MO: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.; 2011

 

PRASCEND® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under license. ©2021 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. US-EQU-0126-2021