Prascend Tablet
Prascend is an FDA-approved preparation containing Prascend, for veterinary use. Available by prescription.
Veterinarians most commonly consider Prascend when a horse presents with clinical signs of PPID—a condition frequently referred to as equine Cushing’s disease—which may include a long, curly hair coat that fails to shed (hirsutism), muscle wasting or abnormal fat distribution. It is also frequently discussed in the context of equine metabolic health for patients experiencing chronic or recurrent laminitis. By addressing the hormonal imbalances stemming from the pituitary gland, your veterinarian can manage the physiological environment to support the horse’s long-term health and stability.
At a pharmacological level, Prascend contains the active ingredient pergolide mesylate, which acts as a potent agonist at dopamine receptors. In horses with PPID, the loss of dopamine-producing neurons leads to an overproduction of hormones by the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland. Prascend functions by mimicking the inhibitory effects of dopamine, which suppresses the excessive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and other peptides. This reduction in circulating hormones helps restore a more normal metabolic and endocrine balance. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate application of Prascend based on the horse’s weight, age and specific results from diagnostic testing.
The actions described here reflect the product's FDA-approved labeling; your veterinarian determines the appropriate use for your animal.
Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring.
Commonly observed effects of Prascend include a temporary decrease in appetite (anorexia), lethargy and mild behavioral changes shortly after the medication is started. In some horses, owners may observe localized gastrointestinal changes such as loose stools or mild colic. Because these effects are often transient, your veterinarian may recommend a gradual introduction to the medication. If you observe significant weight loss, persistent refusal of food or signs of extreme depression, contact your veterinarian promptly.
This medication is typically used with extra caution in breeding, pregnant or lactating mares, as it may interfere with the reproductive hormones necessary for gestation and milk production. Prascend should be handled carefully by humans; as a dopamine agonist, it may influence specific physiological processes if accidentally ingested or absorbed. Before starting a protocol, ensure your veterinarian has a complete history of all other prescriptions and supplements your horse is receiving, as it may interact with other medications that affect dopamine levels. Your veterinarian is the right person to design a management approach and provide guidance on the necessary follow-up blood work to ensure the protocol remains suitable for your horse's individual endocrine profile.
Yes. Prascend is a prescription medication and can only be dispensed by a licensed pharmacy upon receipt of a valid authorization from a licensed veterinarian. Mixlab verifies all authorizations before any medication is prepared or shipped to your farm or stable.
Prascend is available as a commercial tablet, which is the FDA-approved format for horses. When a horse is unable to tolerate the commercial tablet or if a specialized strength is required, Mixlab's compounding team can discuss alternative preparations with your veterinarian to ensure the patient's needs are met while maintaining safety standards.
Veterinarians most frequently consider Prascend for the management of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), or equine Cushing's disease. It is used to address the hormonal imbalances that cause clinical signs like abnormal coat growth, sweating and increased thirst.
A temporary decrease in appetite is a commonly observed effect when starting Prascend, often referred to as the "pergolide veil." You should contact your veterinarian to discuss management strategies, which may include a temporary dose adjustment or a more gradual introduction to the medication.
