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Cushings Disease
Cushings disease is normally only found in older horses and ponies and is caused by a tumour in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is sometimes called the "master" gland of the endocrine system, because it controls the functions of the other endocrine glands. The pituitary gland is quite small, and is located at the base of the brain.
Symptoms of Cushings include:-
An increased susceptibility to Laminitis
The growth of a thick often curly coat.
Higher susceptibility to infections.
Excessive water consumption, causing excessive urination.
Suffering from lethargy.
Horses and ponies suffering with Cushings also often have a distended gut and do not retain weight even though they may have a good appetite.
Most of these symptoms are bought about by the over stimulation of the adrenal glands by Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). Although excessive thirst and the consequential excessive urination are caused by the action of the anti-diuretic hormone ADH, which regulates the retention and output of water from the body.