The latest information on scores of topics is presented at the AAEP convention; we can’t report on them all, but we do try to bring you a representative sampling. This year, many of the topics can be grouped into five categories: fighting infection, reproduction, lameness/ injury, medicine, and predicting performance. In-depth coverage following the convention will be in our AAEP Wrap-Up (mailing with the February 2002 issue) and online at www.thehorse.com/aaep2001 after Nov. 24.

Treatment of Cushing’s Syndrome

More horses are living into their 20s and 30s, and keeping these older horses healthy can require special management. However, sometimes despite the best care, an older horse might become afflicted with Cushing’s syndrome. A result of pituitary pars intermedia (intermediate lobe of the pituitary) dysfunction, Cushing’s syndrome is generally characterized by a heavy, coarse, wavy coat that fails to shed in the summer, excessive thirst and urination, a swaybacked or potbellied appearance, increased appetite, loss of muscle over the topline, and a compromised immune system. Blood tests sometimes detect high blood sugar and fats, anemia, reduced lymphocyte counts, and electrolyte problems.

In his presentation during the General Medicine Program on Nov. 25, Harold Schott, DVM, PhD, will present "The Michigan Cushing’s Project." He will discuss the subtleties of the disease and recent research completed by Michigan State University comparing two current treatments