Lethal white syndrome
Lethal White Syndrome
Lethal White Syndrome (pronunciation: lee-thal white sin-drome), also known as Overo Lethal White Syndrome (OLWS), is a genetic disorder primarily found in American Paint Horses. The term "lethal white" is derived from the syndrome's most notable symptom: affected foals are born completely white with blue eyes.
Etymology
The term "lethal white" is a combination of the words "lethal", meaning deadly or fatal, and "white", referring to the color of the affected foals. The syndrome is named so because affected foals typically die within a few days of birth due to intestinal tract abnormalities.
Symptoms
Foals with Lethal White Syndrome are born with a completely white or nearly white coat and blue eyes. They also have an underdeveloped or non-functioning colon, which leads to severe colic and an inability to pass feces. Other symptoms may include excessive rolling, lack of appetite, and signs of abdominal pain.
Causes
Lethal White Syndrome is caused by a mutation in the EDNRB gene. This mutation is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a foal must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to be affected.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Lethal White Syndrome is typically made based on the foal's physical appearance at birth and the presence of symptoms. Genetic testing can also be used to confirm the diagnosis and to identify carriers of the mutation.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for Lethal White Syndrome. Treatment is supportive and aimed at managing symptoms. This may include pain management, fluid therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention to correct intestinal abnormalities. However, due to the severity of the condition, euthanasia is often the most humane option.
Prevention
Prevention of Lethal White Syndrome involves genetic testing of breeding horses to identify carriers of the mutation. Breeding two carriers should be avoided to prevent the birth of affected foals.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lethal white syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - Lethal white syndrome
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