Please help me with these test results....

[SLedbetter]

I had bloodwork done on my gelding in late September. I have these results (finally), and would like some input, especially on the Leptin results. I don’t understand how to read them. Let’s just say I haven’t heard from my vet yet.
Bloodwork was sent to Cornell U, it’s my understanding they adjust for seasonal rise on the ACTH.

ACTH 47.2 pg/mL Reference Interval 9 - 35

It’s a bit high, but have elected not to treat at this point, horse is a very young Shetland, with a very heavy coat this year. Not sure if this isn’t due to better nutrition since I’ve had him, not seeing any other symptoms. Ideas?

On the Leptin: Baseline was 11.98 ng/Ml. No Reference Interval was given. But there was this explanation: It’s long, but don’t think I can scan in the results here.

NOTE: The leptin test had a change of antibody July 1, 2016 that necessitated a change of reference ranges. The equine reference ranges prior to July 1, 2016 were: normal 1-4 ng/mL, High, > 7.
LEPTIN: Additional Reference Ranges: Intermediate 10-20, High > 20 ng/mL. Friesians and other draft or light draft type horses appear to have a higher normal range than light horses in a limited study. The light draft normal range is
<15 ng/mL.

I have heard that Shetland’s are related to the draft breeds, but don’t know how much of that is true. Can someone explain to me if my horse has elevated Leptin? What are your thoughts on the ACTH level, especially this time of year?
I kind of feel that I’ve been left to figure this out on my own, and I’m a bit lost as to what to do for my boy. Would love some input/advice. I don’t have any other local choices for a vet, but am probably going to have to make an appointment with a vet that is over an hour away because I can’t seem to get a response from my regular vet. Thanks in advance.

[quietann]

For ACTH, my mare had very similar results recently. The vet attributed it to normal seasonal rise and said if it had been like 100, he would have been worried about it. She will get retested in January or February. She is a little fuzzier than she usually is in the fall. Part of that may be because she has barely been blanketed because of our warmish weather, and also deciding this year to not blanket her unless it’s really needed.

[SLedbetter]

Plan is to retest in 6 months. I have started him on a metabolic supplement. He is fed like he’s metabolic anyway, he has had two mild episodes of laminitis already. I’m in the process of testing my grass hay to see if it needs to be soaked. He’s only 4, so it’s a bit shocking to me that his bloodwork is out of whack. He has issues with seasonal allergies and has colitis as well, which is being treated with Sucralfate.

[tbchick84]

These are all symptoms of Cushings. Has your vet talked about treating him with Prascend?

[SLedbetter]

Tbchick84: plan was that vet would contact me with a plan, and to discuss what we would do. Still have not heard back after my attempts to reach them. My other horse was diagnosed with Cushings three years ago and is being treated with Prascend.