AAEP Annual Convention Salt Lake City 2014
Back to Table of Contents
Add to My Library
Comments
Share:

Long-Term Response of Equids With Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction to Treatment With Pergolide

Author(s):

H.C. Schott II, J.R. Rapson, J.V...

In: AAEP Annual Convention - Salt Lake City, 2014 by American Association of Equine Practitioners
Updated:
DEC 10, 2014
Languages:
Back to Table of Contents
Add to My Library

Long-term (>5 years) treatment of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID)-affected equids with pergolide produces clinical improvement in nearly all affected animals, normalization of endocrine test results in >60% of cases, and high owner satisfaction. Authors’ address: Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; e-mail schott@cvm.msu.edu. 

1. Introduction

There is growing interest in treatment of PPID-affected equids; however, limited data exist to document long-term treatment responses.

2. Material and Methods

Thirty equids with signs of PPID and supportive overnight dexamethasone suppression test (ODST) results or elevated (>50 pg/mL) plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) concentrations were started on pergolidea (2 μg/kg, PO, q24h) in 2008 to 2009. Equids were reexamined after 0.5, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5 years of treatment. Pergolide dose was increased to 4 μg/kg, PO, q24h when endocrine test results remained abnormal.

3. Results

Fourteen horses were euthanized (3 for chronic laminitis) and 4 died during the study. After >5 years of treatment, owners of the 12 remaining equids remained satisfied with clinical improvement and 1⁄3 are still on a dose of 2 μg/kg. At the most recent evaluation, ACTH concentration was <50 pg/mL in 71% and ODST results remained normal in 61%.

4. Discussion

Long-term treatment of PPID-affected equids with pergolide results in clinical improvement, normalization of endocrine test results, and owner satisfaction in a high percentage of cases. Further, this case series provides evidence that horses may continue to respond favorably to a 2 µg/kg pergolide dosage, rather than require a progressive increase in dose over time.

Acknowledgments

Conflict of Interest

This study was funded in part by Boehringer-Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.

Footnote

aPrascend, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., St. Joseph, MO 64506.

View full text
Back to Table of Contents
Add to My Library

Ask the author

0 comments
Submit

Affiliation of the authors at the time of publication

Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824

Copyright Statement

© All text and images in this publication are copyright protected and cannot be reproduced or copied in any way.

Readers also viewed these publications

Provided by:

The AAEP represents nearly 9,300 veterinarians and veterinary students in 61 countries who cover a broad range of equine disciplines, breeds and associations. The AAEP is primary resource for education, professional development and ethical standards for its members. The AAEP and its members are recognized as the voice and authority for the health and welfare of the horse. The AAEP conducts regular strategic planning every three to four years in order to establish priorities and set direction for the association over the current planning horizon.  The AAEP is a respected source of information for influencing public policy.  

Learn more
Back To Top