Hormonal disorders are responsible for up to 90% of laminitis cases 1,2

If your horse is prone to laminitis it’s important to know that although grass can be a trigger, up to 90% of cases are caused by an underlying hormonal disease.1, 2 Equine Cushing’s disease (PPID) and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) are the two most common hormone or “endocrine” disorders of horses and ponies. Recent advances in our understanding of laminitis has changed our approach to the diagnosis and treatment of the problem. Despite the common perception that Cushing’s disease is solely a condition of older horses and ponies, new data shows that up to one-third of laminitic 10- to 15-year-olds may be affected.3

Cushing’s disease can be easily diagnosed by a blood test taken by your veterinary surgeon, and until the end of June the laboratory fees for this test are free of charge. If your horse or pony is within the 90% that do have an underlying hormonal disease, then it’s essential to reach the correct diagnosis in order to be able to treat the laminitis appropriately and reduce the risk of future painful episodes.

Watch expert veterinary surgeon Andy Durham talk about laminitis

1. Donaldson MT et al. JAVMA 2004; 224(7): 1123-1127.

2. Karikoski NJ et al. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 2011;41;111-117.

3. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica. Resting ACTH results of 724 horses aged 10-15 years tested for PPID

Free ACTH Blood Tests* to diagnose Cushing’s Disease (PPID)

Until the end of June, the laboratory fees for the ACTH blood test to detect Cushing’s disease, will be free of charge to help assist early identification of laminitis prone horses and ponies.

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