Arabian Horse Diseases

Romance, antiquity and tradition are integral elements of the Arabian breed's legacy. The Arabians possess unique qualities that distinguish them from other breeds of horses--their incredible beauty, endurance and intense affection and loyalty to their owners. Unfortunately, Arabians, just like all breeds are susceptible to disease. There are four genetic diseases, which when both parents pass the gene to the foal, are fatal. A fifth genetic disease Juvenile Epilepsy Syndrome is disabling if not treated.

  1. Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)

    • Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) is a fatal inherited disease of Arabian horses that is characterized by a deficiency of B and T cell lymphocytes. These specialized cells are essential to the immune system. Affected foals are highly susceptible to infections such as adenovirus pneumonia and once infected succumb rapidly. The diagnosis is made by a blood sample revealing a lymphocyte count of less than 1,000 per ml.

    Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA)

    • Incomplete neurological development of the cerebellum, Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA), is an uncommon disease that occurs almost exclusively in horses with Arabian ancestry. It tends to occur in foals from inbred lines. The disease is characterized by a decrease in the number and distribution of specialized neurotransmitter cells (Purkinje) in the cerebellum.
      Signs are occasionally present at birth, but usually appear suddenly after 6 months of age. Head tremors, lack of coordination, and staggering gait are characteristic. Often there is a peculiar type of gait called "goose-stepping," which is most pronounced in the front legs. The foal may buckle in the rear or fall over backward.

    Lavender Foal Syndrome (LFS)

    • Lavender Foal Syndrome (LFS) occurs in Arabian foals. They are born with an unusually colored coat and severe neurological symptoms. This lethal genetic disorder is not gender-specific. Research is ongoing to isolate the gene or genes responsible, so that a genetic test can be performed to determine if the parents are carriers. There is no treatment. Foals usually die within the first few days.

    Occipital Atlanto-Axial Malformation (OAAM)

    • Occipital Atlanto-Axial Malformation (OAAM) is a development malformation involving the bone socket at the base of the skull and the first and second cervical vertebrae. The effect of the malformation is to narrow the spinal canal and compress the spinal cord.
      Some affected foals are born dead. In others, symptoms develop within the first few months of life. Signs include weakness, plasticity, uncoordinated gait and limb paralysis. The neck is held in a stiff, characteristically erect position, like a "weather vane horse." Bending in the neck to nurse can increase cord compression and cause the foal to collapse. A few foals develop a deviation of the head and neck without the signs of brain or spinal disease. Medical treatment is not effective. Surgical decompression stabilizes or improves symptoms in foals and should be performed before the cord is damaged.

    Juvenile Epilepsy Syndrome (JES)

    • Juvenile Epilepsy Syndrome (JES) is sometimes referred to as "benign" or "idiopathic" epilepsy. At birth the foal appears to be normal, however, foals affected with JES exhibit a form of intermittent spasm in which the head and heels are bent backward and the body is bowed forward, with paddling of the hooves. Foals with JES typically outgrow the condition between 12 and 18 months of age. According to researcher Dr. Monica Aleman, UC Davis in California, "a foal cannot be considered to have epilepsy unless it has had more than two seizures."