Research aims to improve care of equines with PPID

The Royal Veterinary College launches questionnaire to evaluate quality of life in equines treated with pergolide

The Royal Veterinary College is currently working on a research project to assess how the treatment of horses with the drug pergolide affects quality of life.

The drug is currently given to horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), one of the symptoms of which is recurrent laminitis. Pergolide (under the brand name Prascend) has been shown to help control the clinical symptoms, but it is a lifelong therapy. Furthermore, its impact on incidences of laminitis and general quality of life in horses and ponies affected has not been evaluated.

To better understand this, the researchers have created a questionnaire for owners to help them assess the level of quality of life in their PPID-affected horses or ponies and it will be used to monitor animals newly diagnosed with the condition. Horses and ponies who have tested negative for PPID over a period of two years and are of similar ages to those in the PPID group will also be assessed and monitored.

In addition to quality of life, the research, via the questionnaire, will look at the frequency of any laminitic episodes and their severity in animals treated with pergolide to measure the drug’s long-term efficacy.

It’s hoped that this quality-of-life tool will lead to better veterinary care in PPID cases and improve owners’ understanding of their horse or pony’s condition as they monitor any treatment given, in particular pergolide. The information gathered should also mean euthanasia-related decisions are clearer and easier to make where relevant.

If you have a horse or pony who has recently been diagnosed with PPID, visit rvc.uk.com/PPID-Research for more information or contact the lead investigator Aline Bouquet ([email protected]).