It's a good point that the dex test is promoted because "only 1 in 10.000 horses will react to it". Is there a file somewhere with statistics about horses being pushed into active laminitis by this test?

A file with more information on this would be good as a printout to give our vets if they are unaware of the danger. Is there one already ?

Bonnie Ivey, Ontario 12/08

I must comment that the Dex Suppression test is not considered a veterinary medicine "gold standard." There are two groups of thought. The two tests that are offered widely are indeed the DST, AND ACTH. You will find vets that support either, and that is where we are at. There is NO perfect test. Some like the DST, some like ACTH. DST is not advocated over another in academia, vet schools, etc., in my experience. There are also those out there who do not advocate either test, as we know.



To: EquineCushings@...
From: bonnie.ivey@...
Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:17:14 +0000
Subject: [EquineCushings] Re: just talked to university vet (dex test)






It's a good point that the dex test is promoted because "only 1 in 10.000 horses will react to it". Is there a file somewhere with statistics about horses being pushed into active laminitis by this test?

A file with more information on this would be good as a printout to give our vets if they are unaware of the danger. Is there one already ?

Bonnie Ivey, Ontario 12/08





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

It's a good point that the dex test is promoted because "only 1 in 10.000 horses will react to it".>

My then-vet scoffed at me over 8 years ago,when I declined to have the DST.
Said it was only 20ml,which for a 1000-pound horse,was minuscule.
Thud.

Fortunately I had found this group prior to this.
Then I found a new vet.

Lorna in Ontario
Support/Moderator
2002

Hi Bonnie,

Here is a link to Files section re: testing/Cushing's/ACTH:

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/EquineCushings/files/Blood%20Testing%20for%20IR%20%26%20Cushings%20Disease/

I am trying to find a research paper that Joan posted re :ACTH vs. DEX Suppression Test. So far I am unsuccessful. Any one have it close by?

Susan
EC Support/Primary Response
San Diego 1.07
..............................................................

It's a good point that the dex test is promoted because "only 1 in 10.000 horses will react to it".

Actually, steroid through any type of administration can be an issue with these horses. I know of one that became laminitic with a topical steroid cream on her ears. Pap has become laminitic with steroid cream in his eye for uveitis. This has happened in the fall and in the spring when ACTH was not elevated (it was 14) to add to the tiny bit of cortisol he was getting in his eye...over 5 days.

It's definitely worth digging in your heels and expect alternatives if you request.

Linda
EC Primary Response
West Coast
May 2004

I would like to second the total avoidance of any topical steroidal treatments with these horses. Years ago, before I even knew about equine Cushings I had a 26 year old thoroughbred who had an eye infection. The vet prescribed a steroid cream. He blistered all down his face and on his legs where he had rubbed his eyes - big weeping sores. The vet had never seen a reaction like it. Very shortly after he developed laminitis. Knowing what I know now he so obviously had Cushings poor old fellow.

Jenni
New Zealand
June 2008