Horse Genetics Resources
Warmblood fragile foal syndrome (WFFS) is a fatal, inherited connective tissue disorder in horses that shares similarities with the human disorder Ehler-Danlos Syndrome. WFFS is characterized by abnormally thin, hyperextensible, fragile skin and mucous membranes (tissue that lines cavities and covers organs)…
Sometimes genetic testing finds a surprise gene, and a horse or dog owner suddenly becomes aware that their animal is a carrier for a recessive inherited disorder. What should you do when this happens to you? Remember that the animal is exactly…
From time to time we are asked if we can test for breed to help an owner determine the breed of their horse. Unfortunately, because most horse breeds are genetically diverse, each breed as a whole will overlap with others so it…
Dr. Molly’s McCue’s Equine Genetics and Genomics Laboratory at the University of Minnesota is conducting a study to further analyse the genetics of muscle diseases – such as PSSM2 and others – in horses, and how diet and exercise might impact clinical…
We’ve started asking for horse hair samples to be sent to us in paper envelopes in preference to ziplock bags. There are two main reasons for this: Firstly, paper doesn’t trap moisture, instead it dries the sample out. This helps prevent bacterial…
Research team led by Göttingen University questions link to warmblood fragile foal syndrome Warmblood fragile foal syndrome is a severe, usually fatal, genetic disease that manifests itself after birth in affected horses. Due to the defect, the connective tissue is unstable. Under…
Why should I do DNA testing? Horse owners choose to do DNA testing on their horses for a few different reasons. Breeders test for coat colour and health genes to increase their ability to produce healthy, desirable foals. They can also choose…
Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome (FIS) is a fatal inherited disorder that was first described in Fell Ponies back in 1996. Foals with FIS are normal at birth, but within a few weeks develop severe anaemia. They almost completely lack B-cells, which are a…
We have been testing for susceptibility to immune-mediated myositis (IMM) since August this year and have seen a number of Australian horses test positive. IMM is a new addition to the recommended tests for horses that would have traditionally used the QH…
I am sorry to say that we have just seen a case of a Warmblood foal with fragile foal syndrome (FFS). The foal was born dead a few weeks short of full term. In addition to skin and mucous membranes that tore…