|  | Conditions Treatments | Hormone Issues

Supplements for Cushing's Disease

Equine Cushing's disease (ECD) is found in aged horses, with pony breeds more often affected, and is caused by an adenoma (tumor) of the pituitary gland, which results in metabolism disturbances. ECD is also called pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) because it has been revealed that deterioration of the hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons (hypothalamus neurons that use dopamine as a neurotransmitter) is the main cause. It is not a curable disease; however, it is manageable with the proper medications and supplements.

  1. Antioxidants

    • A horse with ECD has a weakened immune system, which can be boosted through the consumption of antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and dimethylglycine (DMG). Vitamin C decreases free radical production and is a nutrient for the production of collagen. Horses can usually tolerate a dose of 3 to 8 grams per day.

    Amino Acids

    • Amino acids are the building block of bones, muscle and almost all of the horse's soft tissue. They also aid in the repair of tissue. Because horses with ECD lose muscle mass easily, providing additional amino acids, such as lysine, methionine and threonine, to their diet will increase the growth and repair of muscle tissue.

    Probiotics

    • Adding direct-fed microbial, such as yeast, prebiotics and probiotics, can aid in the digestive process of horses with Cushing's disease. They are beneficial especially when the large intestine is not working properly.

    Fat Supplements

    • Additional calories from sources other than sugars and starches are necessary for horses with ECD. Omega-3 fatty acids provide a safe alternative to high carbohydrate grains. Flax and hemp oil are good palatable choices for omega-3, as well as being a pro-antiinflammatory, according to Dr. Amy Gill, an equine nutritionist from Kentucky.

    Minerals

    • Horses should be offered minerals as a free-choice supplement. Salt, however, should be given separately because most mineral blocks contain approximately 94% salt, and some horses do not crave salt; therefore, they will not consume the mineral block. Specific minerals are especially effective for horses with ECD. One such mineral is magnesium, which aids the cells' flexibility and permeability to insulin. Vanadium aids in delivering glucose into the cells, and chromium makes muscles cells more susceptible to the intake of glucose.

Hormone Issues - Related Articles