Seeking Input: What Tests Should I Ask For?

[Kirikou]

@NaturallyHappy

My grandparents were from IA💗.

That’s so sweet! I have a lot of opinions about the state right now—especially with the polar vortex making everything more of an “adventure”… Most of the auto-waterers have decided it’s too cold to work (and the water in the house hasn’t been much better…). #somanywaterbucketstocarry

That said, it’s still a great community. Small-town folks really come together to help each other out, and there’s still a lot of open country to ride over—though whether or not your toes freeze off while doing it is a different question entirely!

[JB]

@Kirikou

I checked my record book last night, and his ACTH was 29.7 in September and 12.6 in March of the previous year.

Here’s a paper on tests vs numbers vs what it all means.

2021_EEG-PPID-Recommendations_US-EQU-0299-2021-V2.pdf

ACTH in March with 12.6 is unlikely, but pushing the equivocal range
ACTH of 29.7 in September is right at the edge of unlikely vs equivocal.

Yes, that rise is definitely due to the seasonal rise, so that’s not the issue. The issue is being high normal on both, pushing the equivocal range. That range means he might not be, but if he’s got symptoms, it’s a good idea to treat and see if those symptoms go away

I’d definitely get the TRH Stim test done as soon as you can, if your vet can get the drug.

[Kirikou]

@JB

I’d definitely get the TRH Stim test done as soon as you can, if your vet can get the drug.

Thank you, this is super helpful. I’ll read the paper on my lunch break!

The two ponies I’ve had with PPID in the past were elderly chubby Shetlands with classic signs—long coats that didn’t shed, laminitis-prone, and generally fitting the “textbook” profile.

This guy, though, is quite the opposite. Could the weight loss/upper respiratory issues be symptoms of PPID? - realizing I am not as knowledgeable about this as I should be!

Thanks again!

[JB]

@Kirikou

The two ponies I’ve had with PPID in the past were elderly chubby Shetlands with classic signs—long coats that didn’t shed, laminitis-prone, and generally fitting the “textbook” profile.

The coat issue is generally about later stage PPID. There are often more, earlier, more subtle symptoms, and sometimes the symptoms aren’t so subtle but often blown off because the horse “isn’t old enough”, or “it’s just how he is”

@Kirikou

Could the weight loss/upper respiratory issues be symptoms of PPID?

100% possible, especially the weight loss, but yes, also the respiratory issue. PPID compromises the immune system, which means a whole lot of things can take advantage of that.

[Kirikou]

This is super helpful, thank you @JB!

[TWH_Girl]

I had a very similar problem with my late gelding when he was around 19. His symptoms included:

• Swollen infected lymph node in throat latch area- we did u/s guided aspiration and cultured it. It did rupture but never totally went away. We did a course of doxycycline too. I can’t remember the specific bacteria it ended up being but it started with an “a”.

• Repeated skin irritation/inflammation- base of tail (mostly in winter when blanketed), but also small patches on hocks and stifles.

• Swollen sheath

We did also use Thyro L for a while for weight loss.

I had planned to do the thyroid stim test but he was put down due to coffin bone issues before I was able to test. I’m almost positive he had Cushings though, so it is an excellent recommendation to test for.