Independent Veterinary Laboratory Consultant & Founder Amwell Data Services LLC Ringoes, New Jersey, United States
Abstract: Background Sporthorse breeds are frequently trained through upper-level equestrian disciplines. Since sporthorses often serve as schoolmasters, understanding the prevalence of endocrine disorders (“ED”) in these breeds is important.
Hypothesis/Objectives The objective was to assess PPID and ID status and frequency of endocrine-associated clinical signs (“EACS”) within different sporthorse breeds grouped by geographic origin.
Animals Sporthorses (n=784), ages 10 to 35, with EACS were tested for ED by their veterinarian.
Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on veterinarian-provided data from a 2016-2020 study of sporthorses with suspected ED. Equids were considered PPID positive if spring basal, spring post-TRH-stimulated, or fall basal ACTH levels were >35, >110, or >50 pg/mL, respectively, and considered ID positive if basal insulin levels were >20 uIU/mL. Frequencies of PPID, ID, and EACS were analyzed using chi-square or two-way ANOVA.
Results All four geographic regions evaluated had higher rates of ID than PPID. ED were highest in German sporthorse breeds at 69.72 percent (p=0.0331). PPID and ID rates were highest in German and Spanish sporthorse breeds at 41.73 and 57.89 percent, respectively. Irish sporthorses had the lowest rates of PPID and ID at 26.92 and 42.31 percent, respectively. Rates of Laminitis, decreased athletic performance/lethargy, and delayed/decreased shedding were similar regardless of region or endocrine classification. Regional adiposity was highest in Spanish sporthorses (p< 0.0001).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance While clinical conclusions are limited due to sample size, particularly in Irish sporthorses, these high rates of ED and EACS highlight the need for careful management of sporthorses.
.jpg "Rachel Lemcke, BS, MS (she/her/hers) photo")
