Genetic Health Testing for Gypsy Vanners

Gypsy Vanner horses are famous for their beautiful looks and friendly nature, making them favorites among horse lovers everywhere. However, like any breed, Gypsy Vanners can have certain genetic conditions that can affect their health and the health of their future foals. Some of the more common genetic health conditions that affect this breed include:

Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy Type 1 (PSSM1)

Some Gypsy Vanner horses may be genetically predisposed to PSSM1, a metabolic muscle disorder. PSSM1 can lead to muscle stiffness and pain due to abnormal glycogen storage in muscle cells. Horses with PSSM1 often have episodes of external rhabdomyolysis, or 'tying-up,' where they are reluctant to move and experience muscle damage after exercise. Horses with one copy of the PSSM gene (PSSM1/n) usually have milder symptoms that can be managed with a low-sugar, low-starch diet and regular exercise. However, horses with two copies of the gene (PSSM1/PSSM1) may have more severe symptoms and can be harder to manage.

Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome (FIS)

FIS is a genetic disorder affecting the immune system most often seen in Fell and Dales ponies and related breeds including the Gypsy Vanner. It results in a deficiency of certain white blood cells, making affected foals vulnerable to infections. At about 3-6 weeks old, when the antibodies from their mother start to wear off, foals with FIS show signs of anemia, diarrhea, and pneumonia. These foals don’t respond to treatments for infections and usually have to be humanely euthanized at a young age. FIS is an autosomal recessive condition, meaning a horse needs to inherit two copies of the gene (FIS/FIS) to show symptoms. Horses with only one copy of the gene (FIS/n) are called carriers because while they do not show symptoms of the condition, they still have a 50% chance of passing it on to their offspring.

Multiple Congenital Ocular Anomalies (MCOA)

Gypsy Vanner horses with a Silver dilution gene (sometimes called silver dapple or taffy), which dilutes black pigment, may be prone to MCOA, previously known as Anterior Segment Dysgenesis (ASD). MCOA is a group of eye abnormalities that can lead to vision impairment or blindness and requires careful management. MCOA is passed down genetically through incomplete dominance, meaning horses with two copies of the Silver gene (Z/Z) have more severe symptoms than those with just one copy (Z/n). Horses with one copy of the gene, whether they are chestnut or silver, usually have mild eye cysts. Horses with two copies of the gene have more serious eye issues, such as uveal cysts, cornea globosa (a rounded cornea), underdeveloped iris tissue, abnormal eye ligaments, cataracts, and underdeveloped iris. DNA testing a horse for the Silver dilution gene, PMEL17, is the only way to determine if a horse has MCOA.

Genetic conditions like PSSM1, FIS, and MCOA can have serious effects on the health and lifespan of Gypsy Vanner horses. With our comprehensive Health Panel test, you can get to know your Gypsy Vanner down to their DNA and find out if they carry any of these genetic health conditions, color genes, and more! Genetic testing helps breeders and owners identify horses that carry or are affected by these conditions early on. This allows for better breeding decisions and proactive health management, improving the quality of life for these horses.