Groundbreaking Study Reveals Life-Changing Benefits of Pergolide for Aging Horses

A recent study conducted by Michigan State University has unveiled promising findings on the long-term effects of the drug pergolide in managing pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), commonly known as Cushing's disease, in aging horses. This enlightening research offers hope for horse owners dealing with this challenging endocrine disorder.

Study Overview

Featuring a comprehensive 15-year longitudinal study, researchers monitored 30 horses diagnosed with PPID after pergolide was approved by the FDA for equine use in 2011. The study aimed to document both the adverse effects of the medication as well as its clinical benefits for the horses as they aged.

Improvement in Quality of Life

One of the key outcomes of the study was the positive change in the health status of the horses. By the five-year mark of the study, all owners reported significant improvements in their horses' clinical signs. Beneficially, nearly 60 percent of these horses achieved normal endocrine test results, marking an essential milestone in managing the disease.

The Efficacy of Pergolide

Dr. Hal Schott, who oversees the project, noted that although some horses exhibited muscle-wasting and shedding issues, an encouraging 57 percent of the horses demonstrated improvements in these areas. This suggests that while pergolide may not be completely effective for every horse, its ability to enhance the quality of life for a substantial majority is remarkable.

No Resistance and No Adverse Effects

Another pivotal finding was the absence of drug resistance among the horses over time. Many of the horses maintained their initial dosing regimen without requiring increases over the course of the decade-long study. Additionally, researchers concluded that there were no adverse effects attributable to pergolide, giving horse owners confidence in its continued use.

High Approval Among Horse Owners

Feedback from horse owners involved in the study was overwhelmingly positive, with 96 percent agreeing that pergolide had significantly improved their horse's quality of life. In fact, 87 percent expressed willingness to provide similar treatment for another horse diagnosed with PPID, even should they incur the cost themselves.

This groundbreaking study sheds light on the potential for pergolide to serve as a vital treatment option in enhancing the lives of older horses suffering from PPID. As research advances in veterinary medicine, the findings signal a promising path forward for equine health management.