Genetic Diagnostic Testing
We offer testing for established genetic mutations that cause, or are associated with, disorders in many breeds of horse. Testing can confirm whether your horse is afflicted with a genetic disorder. 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. A list of traits that we test for is displayed below, and is continuously updated with newly developed tests.
HCP (Friesian)
Hydrocephalus causes an excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain of foals. This usually causes the foals to be stillborn.
EFIH
EFIH causes critically low calcium and a non-functional parathyroid gland in foals. All known cases so far have been fatal.
SCC
The SCC DNA mutation confers a high risk of squamous cell carcinoma, the most frequently occurring type of ocular cancer in horses
MYHM (IMM)
MYHM (previously called IMM) is a muscle disease found in Quarter Horses
HWSD
HWSD is a disease that affects the hoof wall, causing it to easily break and crack
FFS1
FFS1 is a disorder of the connective tissue which causes hyperextensible joints and skin tearing in affected foals.
OAAM
OAAM is a bone defect which causes neurological problems
CA
CA is a neurological disorder that affects coordination and balance
LFS
LFS is a fatal neurological disorder
SCID
SCID is a disorder of the immune system
MH
MH is a muscle disorder that causes an increased rate of metabolic activity usually associated with administration of certain types of anaesthetic gases
HYPP
HYPP is a muscular disorder that causes muscle spasms and tremors
PSSM1
PSSM1 causes muscle cramping and tying up
GBED
GBED is a disorder that prevents the storage of glycogen in muscles and other tissues, causing late term abortion, stillbirths and death in affected foals
HERDA
HERDA is a skin disease found primarily in Quarter Horses and their derivatives