In practice

Managing PPID through diet and supplements: horse owners’ insights

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Abstract

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is a common endocrine disorder in aged horses, characterized by coat changes, muscle and weight loss, laminitis, and immunosuppression. Insulin dysregulation (ID) frequently co-occurs, and many dietary strategies aim to manage both conditions. Nutritional management, including adjusting forage, restricting non-structural carbohydrates, balancing energy and fiber, forms a cornerstone of care alongside pharmacological treatment. Owners may also use supplements, including medicinal herbs/plants, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, though evidence for efficacy is limited. To investigate management practices, an online survey was conducted among Belgian and Dutch owners, covering dietary adjustments, supplement use, and perceived effects. Of 239 valid respondents, 46% used one or more supplements, most often medicinal herbs/plants or vitamins/minerals. Owners not using pergolide were more likely to give supplements, while no significant association was found between specific supplements and perceived clinical improvement. These results highlight diverse management approaches and the need for further research.

Rights: @ the authors