Cushing's Disease is caused by an overactive pituitary gland. The pituitary gland usually has a tumor or contains tissue enlargement which causes the adrenal gland to over produce cortisol. This keeps your horse's body in a constant state of stress and lowers the immune system. The Cushing's horse usually has long, curly hair (at least in the later stages of the disease), a pot-bellied, sway backed appearance with little to no muscle on the top line or in general. Cushing's horses breakdown protein too quickly which leads to muscle wasting. They may also drink an excessive amount of water. Cushing's Disease is commonly mistaken for Insulin Resistance or EMS. Cushing's Disease is very different! Insulin resistant horses cant' metabolize glucose. This excess sugar stays in the blood and turns into fat, which is why I.R. horses have fat deposits-NOT CUSHING'S HORSES! Horses that are Cushing's are usually not fat.
Blood testing for Cushing's is a joke at best. Even the vets will not guarantee the tests are accurate. The dex test really is very risky. Why would you give a Cushing's horse steroids? The most common treatment for this condition is a drug called Pergolide. The Pergolide stimulates dopamine release, but since it is a drug it happens to cause other problems. We can raise dopamine levels with all natural ingredients and treat for tumors with herbs. Our formula also contains L-Glutamine, which can help to prevent muscle wasting. Cushing's Secret will aid in raising dopamine, lower cortisol, boost the immune system and fight tumors and free radicals.
