The simplest and most common test for Equine Cushing’s disease is the basal ACTH test.

To perform this test your vet will take a blood sample from your horse and send it to a laboratory that will measure the levels of a hormone called ACTH. The results of the test will then be compared to reference ranges (which will change with the seasons) to confirm the presence or absence of Equine Cushing’s disease.

The measurement of insulin and glucose is often recommended alongside the basal ACTH test. These tests help to differentiate Equine Cushing’s disease from Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), and also act as an indicator of laminitis risk.

We provide a nationwide free* diagnostic and monitoring test                          scheme for Equine Cushing's disease.

Participating veterinary practices are able to generate vouchers for free* diagnostic and monitoring blood tests on your behalf: please ask your veterinary surgeon to find out more. 

You can find more information to support your understanding of your horse's ACTH test result by registering/signing-in and looking at our members-only section on "Understanding the basal ACTH test".

*free ACTH test laboratory fees only. Visit, blood sampling and interpretation fees may be applied by your veterinary practice.

Finding out that your horse has or may have a disease is always a worrying time. Rest assured though that a diagnosis of Equine Cushing’s disease does not mean that your horse’s quality of life is going to suffer. There are many management strategies that you can implement to ensure that your horse remains happy and healthy – these primarily fall into three categories: Medication; nutrition; and preventative healthcare.

1) Medical Treatment 

2) Nutrition

The correct nutritional support can help your horse or pony cope better with the consequences of Equine Cushing’s disease.

For most horses and ponies with Cushing’s disease the nutritional requirements are very similar to older animals in general. However, some horses with the disease have clinical signs such as weight loss, obesity, or a predisposition to laminitis. There are important additional factors to consider when planning the nutrition for horses with each of these signs.

If you would like to learn more about the nutrition of horses with Equine Cushing’s disease please register as a Care About Cushing’s member and take a look at our section on ‘Feeding horses with Equine Cushing’s disease’. 

3) Preventative healthcare

In addition to Equine Cushing’s disease, there are a wide range of common diseases that horses and ponies are at risk of developing as they get older. These include dental, musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiac and skin disorders. As horses with untreated Equine Cushing’s disease have a reduced immunity, they can be more susceptible to infections such as dental disease, worm infestations, or viral infections.

There are therefore several management and preventative healthcare measures that are important aspects of keeping Equine Cushing’s disease patients in the best possible health, whether or not they are receiving any medication.

These measures involve paying careful attention to hoof care, dental care, vaccination, wormer administration, and nutrition of your horse.

If you would like to read more about these measures, please register as a Care About Cushing’s member and take a look at our section on “Preventative healthcare in horses with Equine Cushing’s disease”. 

*free ACTH test laboratory fees only. Visit, blood sampling and interpretation fees may be applied by your veterinary practice