Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia

Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia (HERDA) is a degenerative skin disease that primarily affects the American Quarter Horse. Loose skin is often an early indication of the disease, and severe seromas, hematomas, ulcerations usually develop around 1.5 years of age. There is no cure, and the majority of affected animals have to be euthanized within 2-4 years.

Hoof Wall Separation Disease

Hoof Wall Separation Disease (HWSD) is characterized by separation and breakage of the dorsal hoof wall extending up from the sole. Symptoms of affected ponies begin at less than 6 months of age, and often lead to development of chronic laminitis.

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus (HDC) is an abnormal build up of cerebral spinal fluid around the brain. It is believed that a narrowed passage within the brain prevents normal fluid absorption, leading to an obvious external cranial distension. Affected foals are often stillborn and are associated with dystocia in the dams.

Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis

Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP) is caused by defects in sodium channels within the muscle, which can lead to paralysis, collapse and sudden death. Affected animals experience episodes of muscular weakness or tremors.

Impaired Acrosomal Reaction

Impaired Acrosomal Reaction Subfertility (IAR) causes sub- or infertility in males. In normal fertilization, the the head of a sperm binds to the egg and releases the contents of a structure known as the acrosome. However, some males with IAR are unable to properly carry out this process.

Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa 1

Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (JEB), also known as red foot disease or hairless foal syndrome, results in the inability to produce the proteins needed to keep the skin on the body. Affected foals exhibit symptoms within days of birth, including blisters at the pressure points, detatchment of the hooves, and oral ulcers. As there is no treatment, affected foals are humanely euthanized.

Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa 2

Kissing Spines Susceptibility Risk

Kissing Spines Susceptibility (KSS) evaluates a horses genetic risk for developing Kissing Spines. Horses diagnosed with Kissing Spines will have two or more dorsal spinous processes that are too close together, touch, or even overlap. This bone-on-bone grinding causes varying degrees of pain, and thus decreased mobility.