Unfortunately yes, I have more experience with this than I ever wanted. The pony is between 25 and 30 and no, I haven't started him on the pergolide just yet. He really doesn't appear to be sick at all, except for his long, furry coat year 'round and the founder problem. I body clip him in summer and try to manage the founder the best I can. I'll start pergolide if he starts to really get sick but he will eventually have to be put down.
I was thinking by mouth medication but that's directly to the area. I'm going to pick some up to keep on hand. I bet you could use the ointment too if as you say, you don't touch it. You know the side effect of that stuff id a headache though don't you? :')
Isn't the medication recommended to start at first signs? I thought it was a preventative. I did hear it's expensive.
Of course I fear Cushings in Bay, just because he's old and keeps getting older. Every time he gets a heavy coat for winter, I pray for spring and that it will shed.
What other symptoms are there of the disease? Other than the long coat (is yours curly?), body type changes and foundering, I really don't know. My friend's horse began to founder and that was as far as it got. It was a special moment for me to be able to be there for him. My friend didn't want to see it, and I told him "Somebody who cares about him should be with him, but it doesn't have to be you." He scheduled it, went away for the weekend and I took care of it for him with the vet. I am really glad I did. It prepared me for what to expect in Bay. I would now feel very good being there for him when he is put down, though I do not want to see his disposal whether it be by truck (which is what happened in my friend's case) or by burial. I'd rather leave for that. No dignified way to move an animal that big.