KarynK
Well-Known Member
I posted a similar thread last year so here is the gist of it again. The dominant gene causing Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) has been confirmed in a number of horses in the UK. Sadly one mare with the problem had very severe symptoms indeed and despite every effort on the part of her owner was PTS on veterinary recommendation.
It is very unfortunate and nobody’s fault, but there are now readily available tests for this and other genetic disorders for a small cost from a bunch of pulled mane/tail hair.
This disease with the symptoms of Azutoria is found in many other breeds such as Draft, Draft crossbreeds, and warmbloods. But no organised testing is yet under way for them. The discovery of the gene has come about mainly because of the generous funding provided by the American Quarter Horse Association and research conducted at the University of Minnesota. PSSM type 1 which the genetic test identifies accounts for more than 90% of individual QH and related breeds exhibiting the symptoms of PSSM. There is a link to the University website below for those wanting more information.
This gene IS NOT a reason to avoid breeding from or to these breeds, in fact it is exactly the opposite as unlike other breeds there is no risk of inheriting the PSSM/1 dominant diseased gene providing all breeding stock used are tested clear. So please, if you are breeding from or to these breeds ensure that the at-risk parent/s is/are tested prior to mating.
The Appaloosa Horse Club UK has acted and is in the process of requiring all licensed stallions be tested for 2011 and mares and youngsters will be compulsorily tested from 2012, results are to be displayed on the horse’s passport.
I believe that currently the British Appaloosa Society also has testing in place for new Stallions presented for licensing.
I currently writing a paper from voluntarily submitted information from those in the unfortunate position of having positive horses (Many thanks to them for their help, you know who you are). I am hoping to publish very soon but the picture particularly in Quarter Horses is unclear and the recommendation is to test all breeding stock.
If anyone wishes to pass me information on individuals testing positive it will be held in confidence and not disclosed, but the information would be very helpful in researching the extent of the problem in the UK. It would be useful to have the name of the horse, but I would at least need the result of the test and the parent’s details.
The disease symptoms can vary in individuals from no visible signs to unmanageable symptoms and three horses in my study have sadly now been PTS. Some symptomatic individuals improve but are are very dependant on care regime and diet, it does require some effort on the part of an owner and the results are varied. The owners of the affected horses so far are in agreement that this should be dealt with robustly and openly and their message to all breeders is please ask stallion owners for test results if they are not already advertised and test any mares from these breeds before mating.
With some difficult but necessary decisions now we can quickly irradiate this gene from our breeding stock.
If you are considering buying a horse you should ask for test results first and if no results are available ask for the test to be done.
University of Minnesota link
http://www.cvm.umn.edu/umec/lab/home.html
Genetic testing link
http://www.horsedna.co.uk/
Anyone with a horse diagnosed by a vet with suspected EPSM as it is generally known in the UK, might well see improvement on the diet and there are several facebook self help groups on managing the condition Faces of PSSM is one.
It is very unfortunate and nobody’s fault, but there are now readily available tests for this and other genetic disorders for a small cost from a bunch of pulled mane/tail hair.
This disease with the symptoms of Azutoria is found in many other breeds such as Draft, Draft crossbreeds, and warmbloods. But no organised testing is yet under way for them. The discovery of the gene has come about mainly because of the generous funding provided by the American Quarter Horse Association and research conducted at the University of Minnesota. PSSM type 1 which the genetic test identifies accounts for more than 90% of individual QH and related breeds exhibiting the symptoms of PSSM. There is a link to the University website below for those wanting more information.
This gene IS NOT a reason to avoid breeding from or to these breeds, in fact it is exactly the opposite as unlike other breeds there is no risk of inheriting the PSSM/1 dominant diseased gene providing all breeding stock used are tested clear. So please, if you are breeding from or to these breeds ensure that the at-risk parent/s is/are tested prior to mating.
The Appaloosa Horse Club UK has acted and is in the process of requiring all licensed stallions be tested for 2011 and mares and youngsters will be compulsorily tested from 2012, results are to be displayed on the horse’s passport.
I believe that currently the British Appaloosa Society also has testing in place for new Stallions presented for licensing.
I currently writing a paper from voluntarily submitted information from those in the unfortunate position of having positive horses (Many thanks to them for their help, you know who you are). I am hoping to publish very soon but the picture particularly in Quarter Horses is unclear and the recommendation is to test all breeding stock.
If anyone wishes to pass me information on individuals testing positive it will be held in confidence and not disclosed, but the information would be very helpful in researching the extent of the problem in the UK. It would be useful to have the name of the horse, but I would at least need the result of the test and the parent’s details.
The disease symptoms can vary in individuals from no visible signs to unmanageable symptoms and three horses in my study have sadly now been PTS. Some symptomatic individuals improve but are are very dependant on care regime and diet, it does require some effort on the part of an owner and the results are varied. The owners of the affected horses so far are in agreement that this should be dealt with robustly and openly and their message to all breeders is please ask stallion owners for test results if they are not already advertised and test any mares from these breeds before mating.
With some difficult but necessary decisions now we can quickly irradiate this gene from our breeding stock.
If you are considering buying a horse you should ask for test results first and if no results are available ask for the test to be done.
University of Minnesota link
http://www.cvm.umn.edu/umec/lab/home.html
Genetic testing link
http://www.horsedna.co.uk/
Anyone with a horse diagnosed by a vet with suspected EPSM as it is generally known in the UK, might well see improvement on the diet and there are several facebook self help groups on managing the condition Faces of PSSM is one.
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