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Survey seeks to better understand Equine Cushing's Disease
PPID is linked to weight loss, delayed coat shedding and a long curly coat.
Findings may provide insight into how owners make treatment decisions. 

Owners of older horses and ponies aged 15 years and over are being invited to share their views on pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) in a new survey.

Also known as equine Cushing's disease, PPID is commonly found in older horses and ponies and is associated with laminitis, weight loss, delayed coat shedding and a long, curly coat.

The survey forms part of an international project to improve understanding of the causes of PPID and to improve early diagnosis, treatment, husbandry and nutritional management.

The findings will help researchers better understand how owners make treatment decisions and which decisions have the best outcomes. Scientists hope the findings may also provide an insight into how owners comply with administering medication and their capacity to feed PPID horses separately.

The survey is being conducted by the University of Melbourne - supported by the WALTHAM™ Equine Studies Group and SPILLERS - in collaboration with the Queensland University of Technology, The RVC, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica and The Liphook Equine Hospital.

SPILLERS research and development director Clare Barfoot said: “The survey will provide valuable information to help improve the healthcare and management of PPID horses. It will also give us a clearer insight into current levels of knowledge amongst horse owners and how best to provide practical, targeted information on PPID.”

To complete the survey, click here.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.