Supporting Horse Health from Breeding to Performance
By Beth Minnich: Chair, Research Advisory Panel, Arabian Horse Foundation
The Equine Research Program at the Arabian Horse Foundation is committed to aiding projects directed at improving equine health, with a focus on issues of particular interest to the Arabian breed. Since the program’s inception just over a decade ago, the Foundation has provided over $85,000 in funding for a variety of projects, including collaborations with some of the top veterinary research programs in the world including: UC Davis, the University of Florida, Cornell University, and the Morris Animal Foundation. Even with a very limited budget the Foundation has been successful in not only supporting, but also moving forward, important research in genetic conditions affecting the Arabian horse. Because funding for the Arabian Horse Foundation comes solely from donations, every dollar matters; even $5/year from each AHA member would greatly increase the amount of money available to support research studies.
In 2007, when the Foundation added the research arm, the test for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) was the only genetic test available for Arabians. Since that time, the Foundation has been involved with studies that have resulted in the development of direct DNA tests for Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA) and Lavender Foal Syndrome (LFS). Since the beginning of commercial testing for these two genetic disorders, the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory and the VetGen Laboratory combined through 2018 have tested >14,100 horses for CA and >4,700 for LFS. In 2017, none of the horses tested at either lab were CA or LFS affected and in 2018, there were no LFS affected foals tested and only one CA affected foal tested. These test results are a testament to breeders utilizing genetic testing as a tool to help prevent the production of affected foals.
The Foundation has also funded studies investigating the genetic basis of Juvenile Idiopathic Epilepsy (JIE), Occipitoatlantoaxial Malformation (OAAM), Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), and equine melanoma. As a part of planning future activity of the research program, the Foundation would like to welcome Dr. Ty Wallis, co-owner of Equine Athlete Veterinary Services, as a new member of the Research Advisory Panel. With his expertise in performance horses, Dr. Wallis’ input and perspective will help guide the research program into involvement with research projects related to performance horse medicine.
Current Project Updates:
Juvenile Idiopathic Epilepsy (JIE), Dr. Samantha Brooks (University of FL-Gainesville)
Juvenile Idiopathic Epilepsy is a seizure condition that can affect very young horses. In 2014, the Foundation and Brooks lab initiated a project focused on identifying the mode of inheritance and mutation(s) associated with JIE; with the goal of developing a genetic test to assist breeders in managing their breeding stock. Preliminary data suggests that JIE is due to more than one site in the genome; which may explain the wide range of severity exhibited by foals with this condition. To identify these genetic regions, the project is in need of additional samples.
The Foundation is grateful for the interest and participation from breeders around the world, and further assistance from the Arabian horse community is requested. DNA samples are needed from horses that have been previously diagnosed with JIE, as well as horses that have had an offspring with JIE. All studies are confidential, so participant and horse identity will not be released. Please contact the Brooks Equine Genetics Lab for more information: phone (352) 273-8080 or email, equinegenetics@ifas.ufl.edu.
Occipitoatlantoaxial Malformation (OAAM), Dr. Carrie Finno (University of CA- Davis)
Occipitoatlantoaxial Malformation is a neurologic disorder caused by a malformation of the skull and first two cervical vertebrae, resulting in spinal cord damage which leads to varying levels of incoordination and weakness. To support expansion of work previously done by Dr. Finno in identifying the HOX mutation associated with OAAM1, the Foundation has provided project funding aimed at determining additional mutations associated with other forms of OAAM. The goal of the project is to develop additional OAAM genetic tests to assist breeders in identifying carrier breeding stock.
Current work on this project includes whole-genome sequencing from two Arabians and one Arabian/Appaloosa cross that were affected with OAAM but did not have the OAAM1 mutation (DNA was also sequenced from their dams.) Based on the results from this sequencing, two variants are being further studied as possible additional mutations for OAAM in Arabian and Arabian-crosses. While OAAM is presumed to be inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder in Arabian horses, different mutations appear to be involved.
As explained further by Dr. Finno,
“OAAM demonstrates genetic heterogeneity, or different mutations that lead to a similar clinical picture. While all three affected Arabian/Arabian-crosses had evidence of malformations at the base of the skull and first cervical vertebrae, there were variations on the presentation. One full Arabian was never able to stand and had an additional malformation at the fourth cervical vertebrae. The second full Arabian also never stood but the abnormalities were restricted to the base of the skull and first cervical vertebrae. The Arabian/Appaloosa cross had difficulty getting up and a large swelling on the right side of his neck. In this colt, the second cervical vertebrae had rotated 180 degrees. Therefore, we should consider the term “OAAM” to represent a spectrum of different genetic mutations, leading to changes at the base of the skull and neck vertebra.”
With research on OAAM having been essentially non-existent since the 1980’s, having a researcher interested in studying this condition is a tremendous opportunity for the Arabian breed. As part of this study, Dr. Finno is interested in obtaining additional DNA samples from OAAM affected horses, as well as unaffected relatives. Interested owners should contact Dr. Finno at cjfinno@ucdavis.edu for further information.
How you can help!
The Arabian Horse Foundation thanks all its donors, as well as the owners who participate in the studies, for their ongoing support. Without this support, these projects would not be possible.
- Tax-deductible donations can be made by using the donation check box on the AHA membership form when renewing or joining. Donations can also be made online with PayPal or credit/debit card at the Foundation’s website or by sending a check to the Foundation’s Treasurer at 1024 K Street, Lincoln, NE 68508. Donors can also designate their funds to a specific area of Foundation activity, such as research.
- Additionally, donors can designate the Arabian Horse Foundation as the charity they would like to support when they make Amazon purchases at Amazon Smile and a portion of their purchases will go to the Foundation.
Equine Research Program – 10 Years of Progress