- Development of a heavy, even curly, coat that will hang on even through the hot summer months
- Excessive sweating
- An increase in water intake, as much as 21 gallons a day. This increase in water may also result in diabetes (The average horse drinks approximately 5-8 gallons of water a day.)
- An increase in appetite that is accompanied by no weight gain or weight loss
- Loss of muscle tone across its top line resulting in a sway back and extended belly
- Depressions above the eye sockets will no longer be present
- As the disease progresses, the horse will often develop laminitis
- A weakened immune system that opens the door for a wide variety of health problems