What Causes Cushing's Disease in Horses

話題沸騰中の What Causes Cushing's Disease in Horsesについて、多角的な視点を整理して公開しています。

You can absolutely blame Mom and Dad a little bit. Yes, there’s a strong genetic link. Some bloodlines are just more prone to this pituitary malfunction than others. Ponies are the poster children for Cushing’s—don’t you dare tell a Shetland I said that.

Cushing's Disease In Horses | The British Horse Society

Morgan horses, Tennessee Walking Horses, and Quarter Horses also seem to get the short end of the genetic stick. It’s not a guarantee, but if your horse’s lineage has a history of it, you might want to keep an extra close eye on those spring sheds.

Scientists think it’s related to oxidative damage. Over decades, free radicals (little cellular bullies) wear down the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Some horses’ neurons are just built with stronger armor than others.