Very Common
Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Failure to Shed Haircoat Normally
Summary
If you notice that your horse has retained all or parts of their coat late into the spring season, there may be cause for concern. A complex hormonal system controls the shedding of the haircoat. Several rare conditions can disrupt this system resulting in an abnormally retained haircoat.
However, this sign is far more commonly associated with older horses that have Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID or Cushing's Disease). Horses with severe or well-established PPID may have the classic retained curly coat (hirsutism), but patchy shedding (retention of long hairs on the legs) is much more common.
However, this sign is far more commonly associated with older horses that have Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID or Cushing's Disease). Horses with severe or well-established PPID may have the classic retained curly coat (hirsutism), but patchy shedding (retention of long hairs on the legs) is much more common.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment
your role
What To Do
Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE). Be on the lookout for other signs classically associated with PPID, such as weight loss over the top-line, lameness, changes in the appearance of the feet, lameness, digital pulse, and reluctance to move. Share your findings and concerns with your vet.What Not To Do
Do not ignore this sign. Failure to promptly diagnose and treat PPID can lead to laminitis, a potentially life-threatening condition of the feet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet may perform a physical exam to rule out other problems, and will probably perform blood tests to determine whether your horse has PPID.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- When did you first notice this?
- Does the horse show any signs of lameness or resistance to move?
- Does the horse appear to be losing weight?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
