( VETERANS )
One of the signs of Cushing's disease includes coat changes including a curly coat & excess coat length.
the pituitary gland which is located at the base of the brain and produces hormones in response to brain signals. In horses with Cushing’s disease the normal mechanisms which control hormone production by the pituitary gland are damaged leading to excessive hormone production. Signs may include lethargy, weight loss, coat changes (curly coat, delayed shedding, excess coat length), excessive drinking and urination, increased sweating and laminitis. Cushing’s disease usually only affects horses over the age of 10, with 19 being the average age of diagnosis. Ponies are also more prone than horses. Speak to your vet if you are concerned your horse may be showing any of these signs.
Preventative care is just as important in older or retired horses as it is in normal adults. As horses age their immune systems may become less effective, making them more prone to intestinal roundworms, redworms and tapeworms. Poo picking, keeping up to date with your worm egg counts (roughly every three months) and ensuring you have an appropriate worm treatment programme in place is the
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lizzie Royce BVSc, MRVCS.
Lizzie recently joined the Equine Team at Hook Norton Veterinary Group, having qualified at Bristol University, and enjoys all aspects of equine medicine. When not at work, Lizzie is kept very busy
with her two event horses, including a very naughty 4 year old chestnut mare!
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best way to prevent build-up of parasites. Speak to your vet about the best way to manage this in your veteran horse. In addition it is important to keep up to date with your older horse’s vaccinations - even if they are retired and do not leave the yard it is still possible to contract equine influenza or tetanus. Booster vaccinations should be given every year for flu and every other year for tetanus (following a primary course of three vaccinations). Finally, don’t forget that older horses require just as much (if not more!) attention from your farrier as younger horses. Even if your veteran horse is unshod he will still require trimming every six to eight weeks.
Top tips for looking aſter older horses: • Get them checked over regularly by a vet • Ensure their teeth are checked every six months • Keep up to date with worming, vaccinations and farriery • Ensure they have adequate shelter from the elements if living out • Call your vet promptly if you notice a problem
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