Disease Testing
We offer testing for established genetic mutations that cause, or are associated with, a number of disorders in many breeds of horse. Testing can confirm whether you horse is a carrier or afflicted with a disease. Testing is also the best way to confirm that your horse does not carry a recessive (hidden) disease DNA variant that it could pass onto its offspring. The list of traits that we can test for is below. We will be adding to this list so check it out regularly.
Tests available
Glycogen Branching Enzyme Deficiency (GBED)
Glycogen branching enzyme deficiency (GBED) is a fatal genetic disorder that results from the inability to correctly store glycogen in several organs of the body.
Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia (HERDA)
Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) is an inherited skin condition primarily found in Quarter Horses that is characterized by hyperextensible skin, scarring, and severe lesions along the back of affected horses.
Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP)
Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) is an inherited disease of the muscles primarily found in Quarter Horses which is characterized by sporadic episodes of muscle tremors or paralysis.
Myosin-Heavy Chain Myopathy (MYHM)
Myosin-heavy chain myopathy (MYHM) is a muscle disease in Quarter Horses and related breeds that results in two distinct clinical disease presentations, immunemediated myositis (IMM) and non-exertional rhabdomyolysis. Both presentations involve muscle loss or damage and are linked to the same genetic variant.