FEED ADVICE – HEALTH
Optimal Cushing’s Management: Essential Tips
Cushing’s disease, also known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is the most common hormonal disorder in horses. While all horse breeds can be affected, native breeds may be more prone, as well as older horses.
The condition involves an overgrowth in the pituitary gland’s pars intermedia at the base of the brain. This region of the pituitary gland produces hormones that play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. This growth leads to an overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn stimulates the adrenal gland to produce excessive amounts of cortisol. Symptoms include abnormal hair growth, chronic infections, laminitis, excessive sweating, increased drinking and urination, weight loss, lethargy, and muscle loss. Other signs may include abnormal fat deposits, reproductive issues in mares, abnormal mammary gland development, and ligament degeneration.
Key Highlights
Cushing’s disease, also known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), is a common endocrine disorder.
It primarily effects older horses over the age of 15, and is most commonly seen in native breeds such as Welsh and Dartmoor ponies.
Clinical signs include delayed sheeding, abnormal fat deposits and muscle loss.
Treatment options include medications and dietaty management.
Understanding Cushing’s
Cushing’s disease, or PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction), occurs when part of the brain’s pituitary gland – the pars intermedia – stops working properly. This gland normally helps regulate hormones that control many of the body’s vital functions.
In horses with Cushing’s, the pars intermedia becomes overactive, usually due to a benign tumour or age-related degeneration. This causes the gland to release too much of a hormone called ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). ACTH then overstimulates the adrenal glands, leading them to produce excessive cortisol – the hormone often referred to as the body’s natural “stress hormone”.
Chronically high cortisol levels can affect nearly every system in the horse’s body. Common signs include a long, curly coat that doesn’t shed properly, weight and muscle loss, increased drinking and urination, laminitis, lowered immunity, and recurring infections. Left unmanaged, these clinical signs can have a serious impact on the horse’s well-being.
Clinical Signs
Identifying the early warning signs and symptoms of Cushing’s disease is crucial for early detection and management of the condition. While the clinical signs can vary, there are several key indicators that horse owners should be aware of.
Physical Changes Seen with Cushing’s
Horses affected by PPID exhibit several distinct clinical features. Abnormal hair growth, known as hirsutism, is commonly seen along the crest of the neck, shoulders, and tail head. In advanced stages, Cushing’s can cause progressive muscle wastage and a loss of musculature along the topline, resulting in a pot-bellied appearance and reduced exercise tolerance. Laminitis, characterised by foot tenderness, lameness, and a characteristic stance, is a recurring issue in horses with PPID, complicating their management. Additionally, PPID compromises the immune system, making affected horses more susceptible to infections, delayed wound healing, and heightened vulnerability to parasitic infestations.
Behavioural Changes seen with Cushing’s
In addition to physical changes, horses with Cushing’s disease often show behavioural alterations that can significantly affect their quality of life and performance. These changes can be subtle but are important to recognise:
Horses may exhibit changes in temperament, becoming more irritable, lethargic, or showing mood swings. This can impact their interaction with handlers and overall behaviour.
Additionally, Cushing’s disease can lead to a decline in energy levels and athletic performance, affecting the horse’s ability to perform tasks or participate in activities as they normally would.
Polyuria (excessive urination) and polydipsia (excessive drinking) are frequent signs, indicating disruptions in fluid and electrolyte balance due to hormonal imbalances.
Diagnosis of Cushing’s
Accurate diagnosis of Cushing’s disease in horses involves a combination of diagnostic approaches. These approaches help assess the horse’s hormone levels and detect any abnormalities associated with the condition.
Diagnostic testing for Cushing’s disease typically includes:
These diagnostic approaches provide valuable information for accurately diagnosing Cushing’s disease in horses and determining the most appropriate treatment strategies.
In addition to blood tests, imaging techniques can be used to confirm the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease in horses. These techniques help visualise the pituitary gland and detect any abnormalities associated with the condition.
One imaging technique commonly used is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI provides detailed images of the pituitary gland, allowing veterinarians to identify any growth or abnormality in the region of the pituitary gland affected by Cushing’s disease.
Imaging techniques, combined with blood tests and other diagnostic approaches, provide a comprehensive evaluation of the horse’s condition. They help confirm the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease and guide veterinarians in developing an appropriate treatment plan.
Treating a Horse with Cushing’s
Treatment for Cushing’s disease in horses primarily involves medication aimed at regulating hormone levels.
One of the most prescribed medications is pergolide. Pergolide works by suppressing the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol. Typically administered orally in tablet form of varying strengths, pergolide requires careful monitoring of hormone levels and clinical signs to gauge its effectiveness. Vets often recommend periodic retesting of ACTH levels after initiating treatment and at regular intervals thereafter to assess the horse’s response and adjust the treatment plan as needed. This monitoring ensures optimal management of the condition and supports the horse’s ongoing health.
Dietary Managment for Cushings Disease
Dietary management and environmental adjustments play a crucial role in managing Cushing’s disease in horses. These strategies help support the horse’s overall health and well-being and minimise the impact of the condition.
A low-starch, high-fibre diet is essential, as it helps prevent glucose spikes and reduces the likelihood of insulin dysregulation and laminitis. High-quality forage forms the cornerstone of their nutrition, providing vital nutrients while promoting gastrointestinal health and supporting optimal metabolic function. Supplementing with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, selenium, and magnesium addresses common deficiencies in PPID-affected horses, supporting overall health and immune function. Hydration management is also vital, ensuring PPID horses, especially those prone to polyuria and dehydration, have continuous access to clean, fresh water. These dietary and management practices are integral to maintaining the well-being and quality of life of horses with PPID.
Did you know the majority of the Pure Feed range is suitable for horses with Cushings? We specialise in low sugar and starch, high fibre feeds, fortified with vitamins and minerals to help address the common deficiencies.
Consider limiting field access during periods of high sugar content. These sugars are naturally present in grasses and can vary depending on factors such as species, time of day, weather conditions, and growth stage.
During certain periods like spring, grass tends to accumulate higher levels of sugar due to factors such as cooler temperatures and increased sunlight. This rapid growth phase, often seen in lush, young grass shoots, can lead to higher concentrations of sugars. In some cases, particularly in certain grass species or under specific environmental conditions, the accumulation of sugars can exceed what is normal for horses to efficiently process. Ideally during this period, horses should have restricted grazing time, or wear a muzzle to limit grass intake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cushing’s disease presents a significant challenge in health management. This hormonal disorder impacts horses of various breeds, particularly older individuals, and manifests through a range of clinical signs. Early detection, regular vet checkups, medication and correct diet can help horses with Cushing’s disease live a normal life. Due to the prevalence of Cushing’s, there is continual research and advancement in treatment options offer a more optimistic outlook for horses.
What we recommend for horses with Cushings
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BCS 101 with Meg & Jam 🐴💪 Watch as we give a quick body condition score check and show you how to keep your horse in tip top shape!
With @horseandcountrytv, we’re excited to help Meg reach the top 🏆
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #purefeeddietplan #equinenutrition
🌾 Did you know our complete feeds contain grass chaff?
It’s not just there for bulk, it’s science-backed fibre that actively supports your horse’s digestive:
🧪 Digestible fibre (NDF) keeps the gut moving efficiently, supporting normal hindgut function.
🧬 Encourages chewing and saliva production, which helps buffer stomach acid and protect the stomach lining.
🦠 Fuels the hindgut microbiome, feeding beneficial bacteria for better fermentation and nutrient absorption.
Including grass chaff means your horse gets consistent, functional fibre every day, even when hay quality or availability varies.
🌾 Did you know our complete feeds contain grass chaff?
It’s not just there for bulk, it’s science-backed fibre that actively supports your horse’s digestive:
🧪 Digestible fibre (NDF) keeps the gut moving efficiently, supporting normal hindgut function.
🧬 Encourages chewing and saliva production, which helps buffer stomach acid and protect the stomach lining.
🦠 Fuels the hindgut microbiome, feeding beneficial bacteria for better fermentation and nutrient absorption.
Including grass chaff means your horse gets consistent, functional fibre every day, even when hay quality or availability varies.
Pure Condition Mix supports steady condition gain, using fibre and oil-based energy that fuels the body without over-exciting it.
🌱 Unmolassed sugar beet
Digestible fibre to help add condition and support the gut, no added sugar spikes.
🌰 Linseed
Supports muscle development, topline and coat condition with quality protein and oil.
💧 Rapeseed oil
Cool, calorie-dense energy to help increase condition efficiently.
⚖️ Non-fizz formula
Slow-release energy, ideal for horses that don’t cope with cereal-heavy feeds.
👉 Perfect for poor doers, horses needing topline support or those in hard work
Pure Condition Mix supports steady condition gain, using fibre and oil-based energy that fuels the body without over-exciting it.
🌱 Unmolassed sugar beet
Digestible fibre to help add condition and support the gut, no added sugar spikes.
🌰 Linseed
Supports muscle development, topline and coat condition with quality protein and oil.
💧 Rapeseed oil
Cool, calorie-dense energy to help increase condition efficiently.
⚖️ Non-fizz formula
Slow-release energy, ideal for horses that don’t cope with cereal-heavy feeds.
👉 Perfect for poor doers, horses needing topline support or those in hard work
What’s really happening inside your horse after exercise?
Work doesn’t just burn energy. It causes
👉 electrolyte loss through sweat
👉 oxidative stress in muscle cells
👉 micro-damage to muscle fibres that must be repaired
That’s why post-exercise recovery nutrition matters 👇
⚡ Electrolytes
Sweat removes sodium, potassium and chloride. Replacing them supports hydration, muscle contraction and nerve signalling; essential for proper recovery.
🧬 Antioxidants
Exercise increases free radicals. Antioxidants help neutralise these, supporting muscles and reducing post-work fatigue.
💪 Limiting amino acids
These are the critical building blocks for muscle repair. Without them, recovery and muscle adaptation are compromised, even if protein intake looks “adequate”.
What you feed after work influences how your horse feels tomorrow, next week and next season.
What’s really happening inside your horse after exercise?
Work doesn’t just burn energy. It causes
👉 electrolyte loss through sweat
👉 oxidative stress in muscle cells
👉 micro-damage to muscle fibres that must be repaired
That’s why post-exercise recovery nutrition matters 👇
⚡ Electrolytes
Sweat removes sodium, potassium and chloride. Replacing them supports hydration, muscle contraction and nerve signalling; essential for proper recovery.
🧬 Antioxidants
Exercise increases free radicals. Antioxidants help neutralise these, supporting muscles and reducing post-work fatigue.
💪 Limiting amino acids
These are the critical building blocks for muscle repair. Without them, recovery and muscle adaptation are compromised, even if protein intake looks “adequate”.
What you feed after work influences how your horse feels tomorrow, next week and next season.
Consistency = results.
Pure Feed complete feeds are built on the same foundation; Pure Balance + chaff + controlled energy, but tailored for every type of horse.
✅ Better digestion
✅ Steady, fibre-first energy
✅ Reliable results
No guesswork. No fillers. Just smart, simple feeding your horse will love.
🔗 Tap our bio to create your horse’s personalised diet plan today!
Consistency = results.
Pure Feed complete feeds are built on the same foundation; Pure Balance + chaff + controlled energy, but tailored for every type of horse.
✅ Better digestion
✅ Steady, fibre-first energy
✅ Reliable results
No guesswork. No fillers. Just smart, simple feeding your horse will love.
🔗 Tap our bio to create your horse’s personalised diet plan today!
As horse owners, we know just how expensive it’s becoming to source good quality hay 🌾 When forage is limited (or costly!), Pure Meadow Mash helps keep fibre intake consistent, with no compromise.
It’s a high fibre hay replacer with a natural mint flavour, it’s easy to soak, high palatable and ideal for fussy eaters, veterans, poor doers or those on box rest.
Feed alongside or in place of hay to make every bale go further 🩵
As horse owners, we know just how expensive it’s becoming to source good quality hay 🌾 When forage is limited (or costly!), Pure Meadow Mash helps keep fibre intake consistent, with no compromise.
It’s a high fibre hay replacer with a natural mint flavour, it’s easy to soak, high palatable and ideal for fussy eaters, veterans, poor doers or those on box rest.
Feed alongside or in place of hay to make every bale go further 🩵
Just because it`s Winter, your horse still needs their salt! Even in the cold, horses lose electrolytes through sweat, urine, and natural body processes. Salt is essential for hydration, healthy muscles, and proper nerve function, all key to keeping your horse feeling strong, comfortable, and performing at their best.
That’s why all Pure Feed complete feeds include the right amount of salt – taking the guesswork out of winter feeding. Simple, balanced, and formulated to support your horse every day of the year 💡
Just because it`s Winter, your horse still needs their salt! Even in the cold, horses lose electrolytes through sweat, urine, and natural body processes. Salt is essential for hydration, healthy muscles, and proper nerve function, all key to keeping your horse feeling strong, comfortable, and performing at their best.
That’s why all Pure Feed complete feeds include the right amount of salt – taking the guesswork out of winter feeding. Simple, balanced, and formulated to support your horse every day of the year 💡
Struggling to help your horse maintain weight? Feeding more isn’t always the answer 👉 it’s about the right type of calories!
Pure Condition Mix is high in digestible fibre and energy-dense nutrients, giving extra calories safely without sugar spikes. It supports the gut, provides steady energy, and helps maintain weight, muscle tone & overall wellbeing.
Completely free from molasses, alfalfa & fillers. It`s science-backed nutrition your horse deserves.
Tap the link in bio to learn more!
Struggling to help your horse maintain weight? Feeding more isn’t always the answer 👉 it’s about the right type of calories!
Pure Condition Mix is high in digestible fibre and energy-dense nutrients, giving extra calories safely without sugar spikes. It supports the gut, provides steady energy, and helps maintain weight, muscle tone & overall wellbeing.
Completely free from molasses, alfalfa & fillers. It`s science-backed nutrition your horse deserves.
Tap the link in bio to learn more!
Thousands of owners have switched to Pure Feed, and now it’s your turn!
Fill out our diet plan form, and we’ll send you a personalised feed plan tailored to your horse’s weight, condition, and workload. Simple, science-backed, and designed to help your horse thrive 👉 link in bio 🩵
Thousands of owners have switched to Pure Feed, and now it’s your turn!
Fill out our diet plan form, and we’ll send you a personalised feed plan tailored to your horse’s weight, condition, and workload. Simple, science-backed, and designed to help your horse thrive 👉 link in bio 🩵
Horses with sensitive digestion or high energy levels need steady, balanced energy 🌿
Condition Mix is a slow-release energy feed that relies on fibre and oils, not sugar or cereals. Completely free from molasses and soya, it supports:
✅ Steady hindgut fermentation
✅ Stable blood glucose levels
✅ Topline and overall condition
Perfect for fizzy or sensitive horses, giving digestible, sustained energy while keeping the gut happy.
Science-backed nutrition your horse can thrive on. 🐴
Learn more in our link in bio!
Horses with sensitive digestion or high energy levels need steady, balanced energy 🌿
Condition Mix is a slow-release energy feed that relies on fibre and oils, not sugar or cereals. Completely free from molasses and soya, it supports:
✅ Steady hindgut fermentation
✅ Stable blood glucose levels
✅ Topline and overall condition
Perfect for fizzy or sensitive horses, giving digestible, sustained energy while keeping the gut happy.
Science-backed nutrition your horse can thrive on. 🐴
Learn more in our link in bio!
Minty, mashy goodness your horse won’t say no to 🌿✨
Pure Meadow Mash, our tasty, high-fibre hay replacer that makes even the pickiest eaters lick the bowl clean.
Perfect for warm mashes, replacing hay, boosting fibre, and tempting fussy horses.
Tap the link in our bio to find out more 🩵
Minty, mashy goodness your horse won’t say no to 🌿✨
Pure Meadow Mash, our tasty, high-fibre hay replacer that makes even the pickiest eaters lick the bowl clean.
Perfect for warm mashes, replacing hay, boosting fibre, and tempting fussy horses.
Tap the link in our bio to find out more 🩵
Trying to find an alfalfa-free feed for your horse? The entire Pure Feed range is alfalfa-free 🩵
Whether your horse is a sensitive good doer, laminitis-prone, or just needs a balanced, controlled diet, our alfalfa-free range delivers everything they need!
Take the guesswork out of feeding and explore the Pure Feed range today and see the difference gut-friendly, balanced nutrition can make!
Trying to find an alfalfa-free feed for your horse? The entire Pure Feed range is alfalfa-free 🩵
Whether your horse is a sensitive good doer, laminitis-prone, or just needs a balanced, controlled diet, our alfalfa-free range delivers everything they need!
Take the guesswork out of feeding and explore the Pure Feed range today and see the difference gut-friendly, balanced nutrition can make!
🩵 Shoutout to Avon Animal Feeds 🩵
Your go-to local hub for all things horsey and proud stockists of Pure Feed!
Whether you need a bag of your favourite feed, advice on what to try next, or just an excuse to browse… the team at Avon Animal Feeds has you covered!
📍 Pop in and support your local store
🛒 Grab your Pure Feed favourites
📲 Or head to our bio to visit our stockist map
🩵 Shoutout to Avon Animal Feeds 🩵
Your go-to local hub for all things horsey and proud stockists of Pure Feed!
Whether you need a bag of your favourite feed, advice on what to try next, or just an excuse to browse… the team at Avon Animal Feeds has you covered!
📍 Pop in and support your local store
🛒 Grab your Pure Feed favourites
📲 Or head to our bio to visit our stockist map
Boost your horse’s diet naturally with Pure Linseed 🌿
A high-quality, oil-rich, micronised seed that’s gentle on the gut and provides slow-release calories to support condition, coat quality, and overall wellbeing. Packed with natural oils and fibre, linseed promotes a shiny coat, skin condition, and a balanced digestive system, all without added sugar or starch.
Micronised for optimal digestibility, it can be fed to support weight gain or sprinkled over feed to enhance skin and coat. Versatile, natural, and wholesome nutrition you can trust.
Boost your horse’s diet naturally with Pure Linseed 🌿
A high-quality, oil-rich, micronised seed that’s gentle on the gut and provides slow-release calories to support condition, coat quality, and overall wellbeing. Packed with natural oils and fibre, linseed promotes a shiny coat, skin condition, and a balanced digestive system, all without added sugar or starch.
Micronised for optimal digestibility, it can be fed to support weight gain or sprinkled over feed to enhance skin and coat. Versatile, natural, and wholesome nutrition you can trust.
Struggling with less grass this winter? All Pure Feed complete feeds are high in digestible fibre, keeping your horse’s gut moving and energy steady.
Need extra fibre or a hay replacer? Pure Meadow Mash is perfect – safe to feed in larger quantities and great for popping straight out into your horse’s field so they can nibble naturally 🩵
Struggling with less grass this winter? All Pure Feed complete feeds are high in digestible fibre, keeping your horse’s gut moving and energy steady.
Need extra fibre or a hay replacer? Pure Meadow Mash is perfect – safe to feed in larger quantities and great for popping straight out into your horse’s field so they can nibble naturally 🩵
Think feeding large meals will help your horse put on weight? 🐴
Even large horses have small stomachs, only 8–15 litres. One giant feed can overload digestion, sending a lot of nutrients straight into the hindgut, where much of it passes out as wasted manure instead of helping your horse gain condition 💸💩
Smaller, frequent meals of high-fibre, energy-dense feeds maximise nutrient absorption, support normal gut function, and help your horse gain condition safely Think feeding big buckets will help your horse put on weight? 🐴
Even large horses have small stomachs — only 8–15 litres. One giant feed can overload digestion, sending a lot of nutrients straight into the hindgut — where much of it passes out as wasted manure instead of helping your horse gain condition. 💸💩
Smaller, frequent meals of high-fibre, energy-dense feeds — like Pure Feed — maximise nutrient absorption, support healthy gut function, and help your horse gain condition safely 🩵
Think feeding large meals will help your horse put on weight? 🐴
Even large horses have small stomachs, only 8–15 litres. One giant feed can overload digestion, sending a lot of nutrients straight into the hindgut, where much of it passes out as wasted manure instead of helping your horse gain condition 💸💩
Smaller, frequent meals of high-fibre, energy-dense feeds maximise nutrient absorption, support normal gut function, and help your horse gain condition safely Think feeding big buckets will help your horse put on weight? 🐴
Even large horses have small stomachs — only 8–15 litres. One giant feed can overload digestion, sending a lot of nutrients straight into the hindgut — where much of it passes out as wasted manure instead of helping your horse gain condition. 💸💩
Smaller, frequent meals of high-fibre, energy-dense feeds — like Pure Feed — maximise nutrient absorption, support healthy gut function, and help your horse gain condition safely 🩵
Good doer? Keep the weight off without cutting out their feed 🌿
Pure Balance – low-cal balancer, the base of every Pure Feed
Fibre Balance – handful of chaff + balancer
Easy – low-cal with extra oil & fibre to support energy
Struggling to get it right? Our Diet Plan Service builds the perfect feeding plan for your good doer 🩵 Link in bio
Good doer? Keep the weight off without cutting out their feed 🌿
Pure Balance – low-cal balancer, the base of every Pure Feed
Fibre Balance – handful of chaff + balancer
Easy – low-cal with extra oil & fibre to support energy
Struggling to get it right? Our Diet Plan Service builds the perfect feeding plan for your good doer 🩵 Link in bio
Feeding shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. ⏱️
With Pure Feed, everything your horse needs is already in the bag 👉 balancer, fibre, vitamins, minerals, slow-release energy = all sorted.
Just scoop ➜ feed ➜ get on with the fun stuff 🩵
Want a simpler winter routine?
Free diet plans in our bio.
Feeding shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. ⏱️
With Pure Feed, everything your horse needs is already in the bag 👉 balancer, fibre, vitamins, minerals, slow-release energy = all sorted.
Just scoop ➜ feed ➜ get on with the fun stuff 🩵
Want a simpler winter routine?
Free diet plans in our bio.
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