Conditions We Treat

We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of various hormonal disorders, including:

Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID, aka Cushing's Disease)
PPID is a common endocrine disorder in older equids, characterized by an overproduction of hormones from the pituitary gland. Symptoms may include excessive hair growth, weight loss, muscle wasting, increased thirst and urination, and laminitis.

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
EMS is characterized by insulin resistance, obesity, and an increased risk of laminitis. Managing EMS involves addressing both hormonal imbalances and lifestyle factors.

Obesity
Obesity can lead to various health issues, including metabolic syndrome, laminitis, and reduced lifespan. Our clinic provides tailored weight management strategies to help your animal achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Chronic Laminitis
This is often caused by an underlying endocrine disease such as PPID and/or EMS. We specialize in diagnosing these endocrine diseases, which is key for the treatment and prevention of recurrence of laminitis. We also have the team to address their hoof care needs.
 

Diagnostics Capabilities

Our clinic offers comprehensive evaluations for your equid, supported by a multidisciplinary team of specialists. During your appointment, you will have access to an internist with a focus on endocrinology, as well as a surgeon and podiatrist with expertise in managing chronic laminitis and hoof care. This team collaborates to ensure the highest level of care and diagnostic accuracy.

We are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to perform thorough evaluations. The diagnostic workup for hormonal disorders and obesity typically includes:

  • Thorough History Evaluation: Gathering detailed medical and dietary history. 
  • Dietary Assessment: Including hay sampling and nutrient analysis. 
  • Comprehensive Physical Examination: Assessing overall health and identifying any abnormalities. 
  • Morphometric Measurements: Accurately measuring weight, assigning body condition scores, and measuring areas of body fat distribution. 
  • Orthopedic evaluation: Including thorough hoof evaluation and soundness exam to assess for laminitis.
  • Feet Radiographs: Digital radiographs taken by trained technicians and interpreted by board-certified radiologists. These are very helpful in guiding trimming and shoeing in patients with chronic laminitis and valuable as a baseline in animals at risk but not yet affected by laminitis. 
  • Laboratory Tests:
    • ACTH Levels: Measured in-house with same-day results to diagnose PPID. Screening for PPID using the ACTH test is remommended for all equids aged 10 years or older.
    • TRH Stimulation Tests: Available seasonally for accurately testing for PPID.
    • Insulin and Glucose Tests: Including baseline glucose and oral sugar test.
    • Measurement of Adipokines: Leptin to quantify total body fat.