[UnDun*]

OK,im a little concerned with this mare at the barn i board at. The barns' owner and family are on vacation, and im watching the horses and place for them. This mare is 21, and is very hairy from winter. her owner had questioned cushing's diesease because shes so hairy compared to other horses, but everyone thinks its just how she grows her coat. Another lady however, said it could be a thyriod condition. This mare drinks and excessive amount and urinates like there is no tommorow. Shes not 'spunky', all the horses gather around the gate when its time to come in, and she stands quietly in the field until i come get her. She shows no signs of colic or anything, and shes eats her food. Any ideas on what it could be? Or is it just an old mare being an old mare?

- there is a gelding who is 21 as well, and he's normal as can be.

[UnDun*]

***bump bump***

[MissBandit]

Read this link for info on symptoms and info on Cushings. Older horses are more at risk for developing this disease. From what you have said, I would say yes, she does sound like she could be suffering from Cushings.
http://www.laminitisclinic.org/PDCD.html

[Carab]

the drinking bit sounds like diabetes. i don't know if horses even get that tho?

[sian]

maybe get the vet to have al look if you are worrid! it may just be that this horse just drinks a lot full stop...hence needing to go to the toilet a lot! hope things go ok

[lms]

It could be thyroid, but in a 'over 20' horse it could be alot of things. The fact that she drinks alot is probably a good thing as long as she gets the amount of salt and good quality feed she needs. Excessive drinking can wash out her electrolytes so this is very important. One usual sign of thyroid trouble is the horse becoming 'cresty' on the top of the neck as they age. I wouldn't worry too much unless she starts showing other signs (you could keep track of temp and pulse if you feel confident enough) and I would mention the drinkiing to the owners when they return.

[poajumper]

One of the symptoms of Cushings is excessive urination which is caused by all the drinking. If she had a thyroid problem she would be over weight and have a big cresty neck.

[Buckshot]

Old thread.....