Changes

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

PPID is caused by an adenoma of the pituitary pars intermedia (PIA). This produces excess secretions of a variety of closely related peptides including ACTH, which causes adrenocortical hypertrophy. It is a disease of the older equine (>15years) with hirsutism, weight loss, lethargy, laminitis, polyuria, polydipsia and hyperhidrosis as the most common clinical signs. Basal cortisol levels are often within or below the normal range unless the animal is acutely stressed due to pain possibly caused by an attack of laminitis. Insulin levels are frequently raised but insulin alone should not be used to diagnose PIA. No single laboratory test is the best for diagnosing classic PPID. If possible, more than one of the following tests should be used to avoid the high rates of false positive and false negative results noted with individual tests. Endogenous ACTH is considered to be a very sensitive test and should be done in conjunction with either the straight overnight dexamethasone test or the combined TRH/overnight dexamethasone test.

PPID is caused by an adenoma of the pituitary pars intermedia (PIA). This produces excess secretions of a variety of closely related peptides including ACTH, which causes adrenocortical hypertrophy. It is a disease of the older equine (>15years) with hirsutism, weight loss, lethargy, laminitis, polyuria, polydipsia and hyperhidrosis as the most common clinical signs. Basal cortisol levels are often within or below the normal range unless the animal is acutely stressed due to pain possibly caused by an attack of laminitis. Insulin levels are frequently raised but insulin alone should not be used to diagnose PIA. No single laboratory test is the best for diagnosing classic PPID. If possible, more than one of the following tests should be used to avoid the high rates of false positive and false negative results noted with individual tests. Endogenous ACTH is considered to be a very sensitive test and should be done in conjunction with either the straight overnight dexamethasone test or the combined TRH/overnight dexamethasone test.

== Authors & References ==

== Authors & References ==

[[NationWide Laboratories]]

[[NationWide Laboratories]]