For 10 years the Equine Cushings and Insulin Resistance Group has supported owners of horses with PPID/Cushing's Disease and Insulin Resistance. At the heart of this group is the DDT/E Philosophy .  Leave one step out and chances of success are reduced. A good hoof trim will not correct a high carbohydrate diet for an Insulin Resistance horse nor will diet provide the drug treatment necessary for your PPID horse! The first time a new member posts a message to the Group, a large volunteer base is there to guide these members through the DDT/E mantra.

"Halfway Measures Get Halfway Results "

Dr. Eleanor Kellon, VMD

Diagnosis is done by blood work. While diagnostics for IR and PPID are not perfect, EC and IR Group has documented thousands of equines with IR/PPID tests and are readily able to help owners and veterinarians interpretation of blood results and clinical symptoms to effect a treatment plan for IR and/or PPID horses! Owners will be guided as to which tests are needed for a correct diagnosis, which tests are not recommended, and why.

Diet should consist of the Emergency Diet for overweight horses and/or horses experiencing laminitis. Owners will learn what feeds are safe and how to prepare them to support the horse's condition as well as which feeds might not be safe and why. Guidance is given for the most common recommendations including up to date sources for pergolide, supplements, safe feeds and many other products used to assist owners with managing their equine partners.

Trimming a foot correctly is an essential part of the pyramid to a sound horse. There is no standard, no one size fits all approach so each horse is individually considered with advice given by some of EC and IR Group most experienced hoof experts. Owners are not guided down one path with regard to hoof care and are encouraged to develop the skill to work with their local professionals.  No debates exist on the list with regard to barefoot or shod. EC and IR Group does not advocate any one "device" nor any "guru". The proper trim is one where the hoof capsule correctly conforms to the bones within it.

Exercise is critical to support and reverse the metabolic issues that exist with IR and some PPID horses. Owners will learn how to assess the horse's capacity to work, what type of work is suited to the horse's physical condition and how often. Some horses may only start off at 5 minutes of hand walking per day while others may be capable of competing, trail riding and driving.  (See Success Stories for more information.)

What EC and IR Group has learned through documenting more than a thousand case histories has been shared amongst all members. With the advice and experience from thousands of members and Dr. Eleanor Kellon, and other equine professionals, the DDT/E protocol has helped save the lives and pave the road of recovery for thousands of horses.

EC and IR Group is not in the business of selling products; the members & volunteers PAY IT FORWARD with interpretation of the latest research and case by case support for free! Our goal is that owners receiving cutting edge knowledge of PPID and IR so they may make educated choices based on the years of collective experience, available science and research, and the strict examination of products, claims & testimonials.EC and IR Group has questioned and reviewed the vast majority of products, drug therapies, feeds, supplements and hoof care available today. This group has been able to get down to the brass tacks of what works and what does not. The blood, sweat and tears of owners soaking hay, balancing diets, trimming and exercising their horses have resulted in numerous SUCCESS STORIES.

EC and IR Group and Dr. Eleanor Kellon, VMD © 2009