A research paper on pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), which is also known as Equine Cushings disease/syndrome, was awarded the Peter Rossdale Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) Open Award at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress last month.

Nicolas Galinelli, the leading author of the paper, was presented with the award by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at the three-day event which took place in Birmingham on 10-13 September.

The study, entitled Effect of pergolide treatment on insulin dysregulation in horses and ponies with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction was undertaken at the University of Melbourne in partnership with the Spillers brand, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Queensland University of Technology and the Australian Research Council. 

The work enhances practical veterinary knowledge on how to manage and reduce the risks of laminitis. The results showed that pergolide mesylate, the most common drug used to treat PPID, may reduce the amount of insulin produced in response to eating, in horses and ponies that have PPID together with Insulin Dysregulation.

However, pergolide treatment alone was not sufficient to bring high insulin levels back to normal. Therefore, an appropriate low sugar and starch diet remains important, to help keep insulin levels as low as possible.

About the award

The award, which includes a £1000 prize, recognises the paper that best achieves EVJ’s mission to “publish articles which influence and improve clinical practice and/or add significantly to the scientific knowledge that underpins and supports veterinary medicine in relation to the horse”.

“Many congratulations to Nicolas Galinellion winning this highly regarded award,” said Sarah Nelson Product Manager at Mars Horsecare, home of the SPILLERS brand.

“We are very proud to be involved with these important studies. They continue to provide crucial practical knowledge about the diagnosis and management of PPID and other risk factors, to help reduce the risk of laminitis.”

The research forms part of ongoing work by the Spillers brand and collaborators to help senior horses live happier, healthier lives for longer. It is the second time that a Spillers brand-associated study has won this award after Edward Knowles’ took home the prize in 2023 for the paper Predictors of laminitis development in a cohort of non-laminitic ponies.

Educational quiz

In other Spillers’ news, the feed company has created a quiz to help horse owners test their knowledge of calories.

Play Your Calories Right is a fun, educational quiz to help horse owners make informed choices about horse feeds.

Participants who correctly answer at least seven of the 10 questions will be entered into a draw to win £250 of Spillers vouchers. 

To take part in the quiz, click here.

Survey results

Spillers have also revealed the results of a survey they did in the summer about equine weight management strategies.

The purpose of the survey was to gain a better insight into how owners manage their horses’ weight, with the intention of identifying how they can be better supported, to help protect their horses from weight-associated health and welfare risks.

The results showed that while many owners understand the causes of excess weight, they are struggling to find workable solutions. 

According to the survey, more than 74% of leisure horses may be overweight, increasing the risk of serious conditions such as laminitis, insulin dysregulation and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).

Spillers Super Seniors’ Club

Spillers launched their Super Seniors’ Club Facebook page earlier this year with the aim of uniting owners of golden oldies. 

The group provides help, information and advice on how to keep senior horses in the best health and already has more than 2,000 members.

Spillers has announced that for every new member in 2025, they will donate £1 to Redwings Horse Sanctuary, up to a total of £5,000. That means a simple click to join can help provide lifelong care to one of the 1,500 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules at Redwings – including hundreds of beloved seniors. 

Click here to join the Spillers Super Seniors’ Club. 

Main image (c) SPILLERS.

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