Dechra announced the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Zygolide, the first FDA-approved bioequivalent option indicated for the control of clinical signs associated with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in horses.
PPID occurs primarily in older horses — those in their mid to late teens and early 20s — but the disease has been documented in horses as young as 10 years old. Approximately one in seven horses will be diagnosed with PPID. According to Dr. Kathleen Crandell, some common signs include excessive hair growth or lack of seasonal shedding, recurrent laminitis, muscle-wasting and a pendulous abdomen, recurrent infections (such as sole abscess and skin infections), abnormal sweating patterns, excessive thirst, frequent urination and behavioral changes such as dullness or depression. Most of these clinical signs result from excess cortisol levels circulating in the body.
“The FDA approval of Zygolide brings to market a high-quality, cost-effective option to help make the management of PPID more accessible,” says Dr. Greg Schmid, Equine Medical Affairs Lead, Dechra. “This therapy provides another option for horses living with the condition, including a pill structure with 360-degree scoring on all sides and a peppermint flavor profile, helping to reduce stress for both horses and their caretakers.”
Dechra is an international specialist veterinary pharmaceuticals and related products business. Find them at the 2026 International Hoof-Care Summit Trade Show in Booth #100. You can register for the Summit here.
