Measurement of basal serum insulin concentration in the diagnosis of Cushing's disease in ponies
- H. J. Reeves, BVetMed,MRCVS1,
- C. M. McGowan, BVSc,PhD, MACVSc, MRCVS1 and
- R. Lees, BVetMed, MRCVS2
- 1 The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA
- 2 Lees and Partners, Catley Cross Equine Clinic, Catley Cross, Halstead, Essex C09 2PE
- The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA
Abstract
A high basal plasma or serum insulin concentration is commonly accepted as an indicator of Cushing's disease in horses. The results of the combined dexamethasone suppression test and thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test were compared with the basal insulin concentrations and insulin response tests of eight hyperinsulinaemic and insulin-resistant ponies with clinical histories of chronic or recurrent laminitis that were suspected of having Cushing's disease. Seven of the eight ponies had normal responses to the combined test indicating that basal insulin concentrations are not a specific indicator of the disease.
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