OAHN Equine Network Project: Investigation into the seasonal variations in ACTH levels in Ontario’s senior horses (in progress)

Project Lead: Dr. Kris Ruotsalo

Collaborators:  Dr. Alison Moore, Dr. Drew Hunnisett

Proposal:

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) affects senior horses worldwide and is a significant cause of morbidity. Diagnosis is by determination of plasma ACTH concentrations, however, a seasonal increase in endogenous ACTH concentrations has been documented in horses which may confound test interpretation. Currently there is no data for Ontario horses to document the time period in which this increase occurs and its magnitude in order to establish appropriate reference ranges. This critical baseline information will aid in the interpretation of clinical case submissions during this timeframe.