From 1st February 2026, 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.

What the ‘Care About Cushing’s’ sheme still offers

  • 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.

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