Pharmaceutical Therapy of Equine Endocrine Disorders

Presentation Description / Summary: Equine endocrine disorders, particularly pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), are frequently encountered by practitioners. As our understanding of these hormonal disorders deepens, a broader range of pharmacological treatments is emerging. Pergolide remains the primary treatment for PPID, but alternative dopamine agonists like cabergoline and bromocriptine, alongside other drugs like cyproheptadine and trilostane, are sometimes used. While many medications have been trialed for EMS, most have shown limited efficacy. However, the introduction of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors has significantly advanced the management of insulin dysregulation in horses. Beyond PPID and EMS, this presentation will explore the pharmaceutical options available for treating thyroid disorders and other, less common equine endocrine conditions, providing practitioners with a comprehensive overview of current and emerging therapies.

Learner Outcomes: - List the drugs approved for the management of equine hormonal disorders - Present the rationale behind the off-label use of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of equine endocrine disorders