1mg Prascend Tablet for Horses (Pergolide) - per Tablet

Description

Prascend 1mg is a pergolide tablet for horses and ponies with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, usually called PPID or equine Cushing's disease. It treats the clinical signs associated with this hormonal disorder. PPID is particularly common in older equines, although age alone does not establish the diagnosis. A long or unusually curly coat, delayed shedding, changes in muscle condition, increased drinking and recurrent infections may all be relevant signs. Prascend 1mg helps manage the disease through its effect on hormone regulation, with treatment usually continuing for the rest of the horse's life.

PPID involves altered control of the pars intermedia, a part of the pituitary gland. Dopamine normally helps restrain hormone release from this area. When that control is reduced, production of hormones including adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH, can increase. Pergolide, the active ingredient in Prascend 1mg, is a dopamine receptor agonist: it stimulates receptors involved in this control system. This pharmacological action is why Prascend is used for diagnosed PPID rather than simply as a supplement for older horses. Clinical examination and appropriate endocrine tests are used together to establish the diagnosis and assess treatment.

The signs of PPID can develop gradually, and not every affected horse has a dramatic coat change. Loss of topline muscle, abnormal fat distribution, sweating, reduced energy and changes in thirst or urination may be noticed first. Laminitis can occur in affected horses, particularly where insulin dysregulation is also present, but Prascend 1mg is not an immediate pain treatment for an acute laminitis episode. Hoof pain requires prompt veterinary assessment and its own management. Insulin dysregulation, where the body produces an excessive insulin response, may require dietary management alongside treatment of PPID.

Prascend 1mg is given orally once daily. The pink scored tablet can be divided into two equal halves, allowing 0.5mg increments where required. Tablets must not be crushed. The product instructions allow the daily amount to be dissolved in a small quantity of water and administered immediately using an oral syringe. This can be useful where a tablet is otherwise left in the feed. Treatment is adjusted to the lowest effective dose according to clinical response and endocrine testing. If a dose is missed, give the next scheduled dose normally; do not add an extra dose to compensate.

Clinical improvement with Prascend 1mg is generally expected within six to twelve weeks, although individual signs may change at different rates. Early testing is commonly repeated at four- to six-week intervals while treatment is being adjusted; after stabilisation, clinical assessment and diagnostic testing are recommended every six months. Coat changes, drinking, muscle condition and general demeanour provide useful context alongside blood results. ACTH also varies with season, so results need interpretation using the appropriate laboratory guidance. A better coat alone does not establish that every aspect of the disease is controlled, particularly when insulin regulation or another age-related condition also needs attention.

Reduced appetite and lethargy can occur with Prascend 1mg; report these promptly because dose intolerance may require a temporary veterinary adjustment. Other reported effects include diarrhoea, colic and mild neurological signs. The medicine must not be used in horses under two years old or horses intended for human consumption. Keep tablets in their protective blisters, below 25°C, and do not use a damaged blister or visibly deteriorated tablet. Avoid inhaling dust when splitting tablets and wash hands afterwards. Pregnant or breastfeeding handlers should wear gloves. Accidental human ingestion needs immediate medical advice. Prascend 1mg is supplied on veterinary prescription; this page is for individual tablets.

What is Prascend 1mg used for?

It treats clinical signs associated with PPID, also called equine Cushing's disease. The diagnosis is based on the horse's signs together with appropriate endocrine testing.

What does pergolide do?

Pergolide stimulates dopamine receptors and helps regulate hormone release from the pituitary gland. This addresses part of the hormonal disturbance involved in PPID.

Does Prascend 1mg cure PPID?

It controls clinical signs rather than curing the underlying disorder. Lifelong treatment is anticipated, with the effective dose assessed through clinical response and testing.

How quickly might signs improve?

Improvement is generally expected within six to twelve weeks. Some signs change sooner than others, and the response depends on the individual horse and severity of disease.

Can Prascend tablets be dissolved in water?

Yes. The product instructions allow the required amount to be dissolved in a small quantity of water and given immediately using an oral syringe. Do not store a prepared solution.

Does Prascend 1mg treat an acute laminitis attack?

No. It treats PPID, which may be relevant to the horse's overall laminitis risk. Acute hoof pain requires separate veterinary treatment and management.

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