31/01/2026
𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠’𝐬 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞 (𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟏 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔)
From 1st February, Boehringer Ingelheim is updating its 'Care About Cushing’s' initiative, which provides free* diagnostic testing for Equine Cushing’s (PPID). This is what horse owners and vets need to know:
𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬
Free* diagnostic PPID testing will now only be available:
• In spring (March and April) - when laminitis risk is highest
• In autumn (September and October) - when diagnostic accuracy of the ACTH test peaks
𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞* 𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐞-𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭
A new free* dose-checker test is now available 4-6 weeks after starting treatment in order to ensure that horses are on the correct dose and appropriate long-term care for Cushing’s patients.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫:
• One voucher per year for a free monitoring test for diagnosed and treated horses, available in Spring or Autumn – this can now be generated 4 weeks after initiation of treatment
• Digital tracking tools
• Educational resources
• Reminder alerts
𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬
If you would like to find out whether your horse is eligible to participate in this scheme, please speak to your vet practice (must be a participating practice), which will then generate a voucher code for a free* diagnostic lab test (basal ACTH test). Diagnostic tests are for horses not yet diagnosed with Equine Cushing's disease. These horses are eligible for one free* diagnostic test every 12 months.
Please ensure the voucher is requested before your appointment and is submitted alongside the blood sample.
*The voucher will cover the ACTH laboratory test fee only and normal visit and blood sample fees will apply.
For full details, please contact your vet practice or visit the Care About Cushing’s website.
https://careaboutcushings.co.uk/