A Case of Cushing’s Disease with Hyperglycemia in a Pony

Abstract

A 15-year-old pony mare showed signs of inactivity, dehydration, weight loss, hyperglycemia and glucosuria. After 4 years from the first hospitalization, the pony had the same clinical signs and hirsutism, and died in spite of the treatment. Plasma concentrations of cortisol and insulin in the case had increased to extremely high levels. Necropsy revealed enlargement of the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland and hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex. We concluded that this case was Cushing’s disease.