2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

At a low pH, colonic mucosal ion transport and transepithelial resistance were decreased in the insulin resistant horses, compared to control horses. Insulin resistant horses might be predisposed to alterations in mucosal ion flux and transepithelial resistance, especially when there is a drop in pH after feeding a diet high in soluble carbohydrates. Decreased ion fluxes and TER might result in the colic and diarrhea seen in horses afflicted with EMS and PPID. These data are preliminary and further research is indicated to confirm these findings. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) has been described as the most common endocrinologic disorder of aged horses. Few studies exist that describe the epidemiological characteristics of horses with PPID. Additional epidemiologic studies are needed to determine the prevalence of PPID in a larger population, not just aged horses. The purpose of this study was to obtain epidemiological information that included age, breed, sex, clinical signs, and insulin/glucose status at initial PPID diagnosis (new cases) from a large population of horses.