Researchers at the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland, in Australia, conducted a study to prospectively compare plasma ACTH concentrations among different breeds of mature horses and ponies.
Dr Nicholas Bamford and colleagues aimed to shed light on how plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations, a crucial indicator for diagnosing pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in horses, varied across different horse breeds.
The breed groups under scrutiny were Thoroughbred horses, Shetland ponies, and ponies of non-Shetland breeds.
The health of the animals involved was carefully monitored to ensure they showed no signs of illness, lameness, or clinical signs associated with PPID.
Blood samples were collected twice a year, around the autumn and spring equinoxes, to capture any seasonal variations. The ACTH levels were measured using a chemiluminescent immunoassay, a common diagnostic tool.
The results revealed that pony breeds, particularly Shetland ponies, exhibited notably higher ACTH concentrations compared to Thoroughbred horses during the autumn season.
In spring, no differences were identified among the three breed groups.
This observation is significant, especially when diagnosing PPID and interpreting ACTH levels accurately.
The findings emphasise the importance of considering the specific breed of a horse when interpreting ACTH levels, especially during the autumn months.
Understanding breed-related differences in ACTH concentrations is essential for a more precise assessment of a horse's health and can guide appropriate healthcare and management decisions.
For more details, see:
Investigation of breed differences in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations among healthy horses and ponies
N.J. Bamford, A.J. Stewart, C.M. El-Hage, F.R. Bertin, S.R. Bailey
The Veterinary Journal (2023) Vol 296–297, 105995
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