Avon Ridge Equine Veterinary Services

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📣 New Research Highlights Why Early Diagnosis & Treatment of PPID Matters 🐴

Recent research in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association has shown that horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) tend to experience more medical events during their lifetime including increased use of NSAIDs, episodes of hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis (HAL), poor wound healing, and dental issues compared to horses without this condition. 

Importantly, in a population where most affected horses were receiving treatment, having PPID did not mean a shorter lifespan or more frequent serious adverse events when looking at their full medical records. 

✅ What this tells us:
• Early identification and appropriate management of PPID can mitigate complications. 
• Signs like poor healing, dental issues, or episodes of insulin dysregulation are not exclusively due to PPID they should be assessed and treated on an individual and multimodal basis. 

⚠️ At this time of year, we do not perform baseline ACTH testing when investigating horses for PPID.

✅ Instead, we utilise the TRH stimulation test, which is a far more sensitive diagnostic option during the winter months. Best of all, it’s simple, takes just 10 minutes, and can be completed in a single visit.

❗️Choosing the right diagnostic test is often just as important as interpreting the result correctly.

If you’ve noticed subtle changes in your horse’s health or behaviour don’t wait. Early screening, diagnosis, and tailored treatment can make a significant difference to long-term wellbeing.

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👉 https://avonridgeequine.aweb.page/join-free-veterinary-news

🩺 Contact us on 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

📌 Reference: Horses diagnosed with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction did not have shorter life expectancies but experienced more medical events during their lifetime compared to horses without PPID. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2025; DOI available from JAVMA.

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