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Lavender Foal Syndrome
Lavender Foal Syndrome is an autosomal
recessive disease of Arabian horses. Although this disease is relatively rare,
it is lethal and foals are usually euthanized for humane reasons within a few
days of birth. Both the sire and dam must be LFS carriers to produce an affected
foal. Lavender foals are characterized by an unique coat colour and neurological
dysfunction which leaves them unable to stand. Fortunately, research for a
diagnostic test and treatment is underway.
This peculiar colour has been
described as pinkish, pewter, light lavender, "ghostly purple"
and very light silver with a lavender tint. An experienced breeder will
immediately recognize it as unusual. A newer breeder or veterinarian who
is unfamiliar with foal colours or Lavender Foal Syndrome, may fail to
diagnose it. Because this is a newly recognized disease, there has been no
documentation of it in veterinary literature and your veterinarian may be
unaware of it's existence.
The only documented description of Lavender
Foal Syndrome appears in Dr. Ann Bowling's book, "Horse Genetics". Dr.
Bowling's description includes: foals fail to stand and nurse; have rigidity of
joints; the mare has a difficult delivery (dystocia); the foal exhibits rapid
eye movement; coat color is pinkish or light lavender or pewter; and autopsies
have apparently revealed an abnormal brain lesion.
The neurological dysfunction is characterized by opisthotonus, a position where
the head and neck are drawn back, with the body and legs rigid, and is
accompanied by convulsions or spasms. This condition is due a disturbance of the
Central Nervous System. Although unable to right itself, an LFS foal may have a
strong suckle reflex and may be bottle fed, however this is usually to no avail.
Nystagmus, or involuntary, rapid eye movements are a secondary sign of
opisthotonus and is present in some LFS foals.
Lavender Foal Syndrome may appear similar to spinal cord injury or perinatal
asphyxia (lack of oxygen at birth), but is distinguished from these by the
peculiar colour.
Cornell University is presently researching Lavender Foal Syndrome and welcomes
submissions of any samples. Especially useful would be blood and hair with roots
attached. Other samples acceptable would be urine or nervous tissue (brain or
spinal cord). Samples will be accepted from affected foals, or if the foal is no
longer available, samples from the sire and dam (obligate carriers) or any full
siblings (potential carriers). A "blood kit" is available from Cornell
which includes instructions, needles, vials, cold packs and a return FedEx label
as well as a consent form. Anonymous samples are also welcomed.
Anyone interested in helping with this project should contact:
Helen Bird
Postdoctoral Associate
Equine Genetics Center
James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health
College of Veterinary Medicine
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
Tel: 607-256-5621
Fax:607-256-5608
email: heb9@cornell.edu
Copyright: Heather L. Brown 2001
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Bob & Sheila
Harmon
P.O. Box 1180 - Eagle, Idaho 83616
(208) 322-8474 - (208) 866-1024
800-327-6540
E-Mail to: Sheila@DestinyArabians.com
Web Page: www.destinyarabians.com
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