Cushing's Syndrome is well known in humans, cats and especially in dogs. It is also becoming more prevalent in horses, and yet there is little written about identifying it, and caring for horses who suffer from it. It is regarded as incurable in horses, though it is possible that horses can live reasonably happily for a long time whilst suffering from it. According to veterinary and human medical experts the disease is characterised by excessively high levels of steroids in the body.
Steroids are compounds that circulate naturally in our bodies and our pets' bodies.
Two major centres in the body regulate the levels of these steroids. The main centre is a gland in the brain called the pituitary. This gland controls most of the hormones in the body. This disease is called hyperadrenocorticism. Blood tests often help the diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome, and they indicate high levels of blood glucose.