Pergolide can cause your horse to lose its appetite- why this happens and how to help your horse
appetite returning within 7-10 days. However, if their appetite doesn’t return once their body has become used to the drug, you should speak to your vet as the dose may need to be changed.
Not all horses starting Pergolide will experience a reduction in appetite. But it is best to be aware of it so that you can monitor your horse for any signs. It is important not to change the diet when starting the medication. If your horse does show signs of inappetence, you should offer small amounts of food that the horse is familiar with and usually likes.
How else can PPID be managed?
Most horses with PPID are senior and therefore will need extra care. But having PPID can make a horse more prone to laminitis, as well as infections. It is important to check the body condition score of your horse regularly. This is to ensure that they are in good condition and at a stable weight. Routine dental care is also necessary as this can affect your horse’s appetite. Excess hair growth is a common sign of PPID. This can make the horse hotter and sweatier, therefore regular clipping may help. Your horse should have regular treatment from your farrier, not only will they trim the feet, but they will also check for other problems such as foot abscesses and laminitis.
Regular veterinary checks are recommended to ensure that your horse is responding well to the medication and isn’t showing signs of other diseases. Blood samples will also be taken at these times to ensure that the ACTH is at the correct level. Just as in younger horses, vaccinations and worming should be kept up to date, even if the horse is not going off the yard as they can still pick up diseases.
