Name: PPID or Equine Cushing’s Disease, ACTH
Brand: Equigerminal
Price: 229.0 DKK

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PPID or Equine Cushing’s Disease, ACTH

Adrenocorticotropic hormone - ACTH ACTH levels are seasonal in horses Increased ACTH levels could indicate Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction PPID, also...

229,00 kr Incl. VAT

About

This test measures the concentration of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) in equine plasma.

ACTH is a key biomarker used in the diagnosis and monitoring of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), also known as Equine Cushing's Disease. Because ACTH concentrations vary naturally throughout the year, results should always be interpreted using seasonally adjusted reference intervals.

Why test?

ACTH testing is recommended to:

Support the diagnosis of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID).
Investigate horses showing clinical signs suggestive of Equine Cushing's Disease.
Monitor horses receiving treatment for PPID.
Assess endocrine function in ageing horses.

Results

The laboratory report provides the measured ACTH concentration.

Results should always be interpreted according to:

Seasonal reference intervals.
Clinical signs.
Veterinary examination.
Additional diagnostic testing where appropriate.

Elevated ACTH concentrations may be consistent with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) but should always be interpreted by a veterinarian.

Sample

5 mL of blood in EDTA tube

Separate the plasma by centrifugation or gravity and freeze plasma at -20ºC (in a regular freezer).

Send freeze plasma to lab ASAP in a refrigerated package.

Send your sample by regular mail or express delivery to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

Turnaround

2 to 5 working days

How it works

🛒 Purchase the test: select and buy the test online.

📧 Receive instructions: after payment confirmation you receive sample collection instructions by e-mail.

🩺 Your veterinarian collects the sample: this test must be collected by a veterinarian, who collects the samples described above under Sample.

📄 Complete the form: print and complete the submission form with the animal identification.

📮 Send it to the laboratory: Equigerminal, S.A., HIESE, Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro, 25, Quinta Vale do Espinhal, 3230-343 Penela, PORTUGAL.

📄 Receive your report: your certified report is issued as soon as the analysis is validated.

FAQs

Which sample is required?

A 5 mL blood sample collected in an EDTA tube. Plasma must be separated, frozen at −20°C, and shipped refrigerated.

What is ACTH used for?

ACTH measurement is primarily used to diagnose and monitor Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in horses.

Do ACTH levels vary during the year?

Yes. ACTH concentrations are naturally seasonal in horses, so results must be interpreted using seasonally adjusted reference intervals.

Can this test diagnose PPID on its own?

ACTH is an important diagnostic tool, but results should always be interpreted together with the horse's clinical signs and veterinary assessment.

When will I receive my results?

Results are available within 2 to 5 working days after sample arrival at the laboratory.

More

Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting older horses.

Clinical signs may include delayed shedding of the coat, abnormal hair growth (hypertrichosis), recurrent laminitis, muscle loss, lethargy, excessive drinking and urination, weight loss, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Because ACTH concentrations naturally increase during the autumn months, interpretation requires seasonally adjusted reference ranges. Proper sample handling is essential, as ACTH is unstable if plasma is not separated and frozen promptly.