Classic signs and dangers of equine PPID

As the weather warms, horses are shedding their winter coats. But if your buddy is still sporting a warm shaggy look, it could be a sign of something more serious.

Pituitary pars [parz] intermedia [in-tur-MEE-dee-uh] dysfunction, or P-P-I-D for short, is caused by a tumor in the brain’s pituitary gland, which is a key player in regulating the body’s hormones.

The classic sign of PPID in many horses is delayed or lack of shedding after winter. However, PPID often causes more serious problems, such as laminitis (that’s hoof inflammation), skin infections, Type 2 diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Most horses with PPID are over 15 years old, but there are outliers. Regardless of age, contact your veterinarian if your horse has symptoms.