Monday, February 27, 2012

Help sought for Cushing's disease research

Cushing's disease (equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction - PPID) appears to be becoming more common as horses live longer. While the true incidence of this disease is unknown, a recent survey of horse owners showed that signs of Cushing's disease were reported in 20 to 30 per cent of horses.

Researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), University of Saskatchewan, are starting to explore a possible new treatment for the condition.To learn more about the incidence and prevalence of Cushing's disease, WCVM equine specialist Dr. James Carmalt has designed an online survey that will be distributed to equine practitioners around the world. Dr. Carmalt and his colleagues at the western Canadian veterinary college will use practitioners' responses from this short, 16-question survey to:

  • determine the incidence of disease

  • determine the most common treatment protocols being used by practitioners

  • evaluate the need for developing new treatment methodologies.

Owners whose horses have been diagnosed with Cushing's disease are urged to bring the survey to the attention of their veterinarian.

http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/veterinarians/cushings_survey.php

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