Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS)

(information from VGL at UC Davis)

Introduction

Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome Type 1 (WFFS) is a fatal genetic defect of connective tissue characterized by hyperextensible, abnormally thin, fragile skin and mucous membranes (tissue that lines cavities and covers organs) that cause extensive lesions throughout the body. Other signs of the disease include hyperextension of limb articulations, floppy ears, hydrops (accumulation of fluid in fetus), subcutaneous emphysema, hematomas and premature birth. Signs of the disease are present from birth. Newborn foals have to be euthanized because of poor prognosis for an untreatable condition.

WFFS is caused by a mutation (c.2032G > A) in the PLOD1 gene (procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase1) that codes for an enzyme important for biosynthesis of collagen, which are complex molecules that provide strength and support to many body tissues. The mutation impairs normal function of the enzyme, which leads to development of the disease. In humans, mutations in this gene are associated with a similar defect known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type VI.

WFFS is inherited as an autosomal recessive defect, which means that both males and females are equally affected and that two copies of the mutation (WFFS/WFFS) are needed to cause the disorder. Horses that carry one copy (N/WFFS) of this recessive mutation are normal but can transmit the mutation to 50% of their offspring.

The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory offers a DNA test for WFFS. The test benefits clinicians to help with diagnosis of WFFS. The test benefits breeders and owners to identify carriers of WFFS and to select mating pairs accordingly to avoid producing affected foals. Mating between two carriers has a 25% chance of producing affected foals.

Testing recommendation: The test is presently recommended for all Warmblood/Sport Horse populations. The WFFS mutation was found to occur in Hanoverian, Selle Français, KWPN, Oldenburg and Westphalian lines, according to Dr. N. Winand, who identified the molecular basis of this defect.  Because these and related populations are central to all Warmblood/Sport Horse registries, the mutation may be found in additional breeds. The incidence of carriers in Warmblood horses is estimated to be around 9-11%.

Results reported as:

References:

Winand N. Identification of the causative mutation for inherited connective tissue disorders in equines. United States Department Of Commerce Application Number: 61/486,464; (Filing Date: May 16th, 2011).

Monthoux C, S Brot, M Jackson, U Bleul, J Walter. (2015). Skin malformations in a neonatal foal tested homozygous positive for Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome. BMC Veterinary Research 11:12. DOI 10.1186/s12917-015-0318-8.

Testing available through SWANA 

SWANA in conjunction with the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) at UC Davis is offering WFFS testing for $35/horse. In order to receive this offer, the owner needs to be a member of SWANA, you must be the owner of record with SWANA for the horse being tested, the horse being tested must have SWANA registration papers or be registered with SWANA as a mare/stallion from other recognized association. Both horses with DNA already on file with UC Davis as well as horses needing to be tested for the first time are eligible to get the discounted rate i.e. test can be performed on hair samples, both new and those  previously tested, as well as on blood samples stored at the laboratory. Contact the SWANA Office for more information and to arrange testing preferably via e-mail at office@swanaoffice.org or by phone (575)-835-1318.