'Pea' Grimshaw
This beautiful part-bred Arab is Pea! Approximately 5 years ago Pea had completed a season of endurance, but didn’t appear to be as muscular and fit looking as normal, and her owner Christina also noticed that Pea had some muscle atrophy on her neck. After a discussion with Pea’s vet and a clinical examination, a blood test to check for the presence of Equine Cushing’s disease was recommended. The test result showed very high levels of a hormone associated with Cushing’s and so Pea’s vet prescribed a licensed medication to treat this condition.
Pea has been treated with medication for the last 5 years, and is doing really well. Her hormone levels have dropped and are now within normal reference range, and Christine says that she always ensures Pea is tested every 6 months as per her vet’s advice to check that the condition remains under control.
Equine Cushing’s disease is a progressive condition – this means that the underlying changes to an affected horse’s hormonal glands will keep progressing even whilst they are on treatment. This is why it’s so important to check in with your vet every 6 months if your horse is on treatment for Cushing’s.
Thanks so much for sharing Pea’s story with us Christine! We love her name ? and hope you have many more happy years together!