

Identify PPID in Horses
The clinical signs of PPID in horses can be subtle, so it’s important to know what to look for. This can help get an early diagnosis and help the affected horse. Early diagnosis followed by treatment may minimize progression of PPID and prolong the life of the horse.1
Clinical signs of PPID vary widely and may be mild or severe. Often, early clinical signs can go unrecognized. But even when a horse has advanced disease, treatment can give him a longer, healthier life.1 Explore below to see which clinical signs are often associated with early versus advanced signs of PPID.

A change in personality and/or a lack of energy

Increased sluggishness compared to normal.

Decreased or delayed shedding in specific areas (regions) of the horses body

Delayed shedding of the winter coat may occur in some areas, and the summer coat may look different in these same areas.

Prominent withers and/or prominent spine

Increased or decreased sweating may occur.

Reproductive cycles may be abnormal or absent, potentially leading to infertility.

A cause of lameness in both forelimb and hindlimb of athletic horses.

Fat deposits may appear along the crest of the neck and the tail head.

Inflammation of the laminae of the foot and increased tenderness.


Sluggishness or a decreased activity

Decreased ability in physical exercise

Excessive hair growth over all of the body.

Loss of seasonal shedding compared to herd mates or past years

Prominent withers, sunken shoulders and/or prominent spine

The horse’s belly may have a "rounded" hay belly appearance.

Increased urination and/or thirst.

A few examples are recurring secondary skin infections, hoof abscesses, conjunctivitis and sinusitis.

Dry eye or recurrent injuries/infections to the outermost layer of the eye.

A discharge from mammary gland in a non-lactating, non-pregnant mare.

Fat deposits may appear above the eyes.

Tendon laxity may be observed where the fetlock "drops" toward the ground when bearing weight.

Inflammation of the laminae of the foot and increased tenderness.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: PRASCEND is for use in horses only. PRASCEND has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating horses. Treatment with PRASCEND may cause loss of appetite. Most cases are mild. If severe, a temporary dose reduction may be necessary. Weight loss, lack of energy, and behavioral changes also may be observed. PRASCEND is contraindicated in horses with hypersensitivity to pergolide mesylate or other ergot derivatives. Not for use in humans. Do not ingest the product. PRASCEND tablets should not be crushed due to the potential for increased human exposure. Pergolide, like other ergot derivatives, may cause emesis, dizziness, lethargy or low blood pressure. Pregnant or lactating women should wear gloves when administering this product. Store this product separately away from human medicinal products and handle this product with care to avoid accidental ingestion. Keep PRASCEND in a secure location out of reach of dogs, cats, and other animals to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose. Dogs have eaten PRASCEND tablets that were placed in food intended for horses or dropped during administration of the tablets to the horses. Adverse reactions may occur if animals other than horses ingest PRASCEND tablets. Refer to the package insert for complete product information.