Friesian Health Panel

Distichiasis

Distichiasis is a condition in which the eyelashes grow from an abnormal position on the edges of the eyelids. These misplaced lashes can contact the cornea (clear ‘window’ of the front of the eye), leading to irritation and corneal ulcers, which can impact vision.

Friesian Horse Dwarfism

Dwarfism in Friesians is an inherited disorder characterized by a disproportionate growth with reduced bone length of limbs and ribs while the size of the head and length of the back are normal.

Friesian Horse Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is an inherited condition in Friesian and Friesian crosses characterized by excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain that results in severe cranial distension.

Sample Collection

Horse DNA tests are carried out using cells from the roots of a hair sample (roughly 20-30 hairs).

1. Grab about 10 hairs at the base.

2. Wrap the hairs around your finger and give it a quick pull.

3. Check the ends to make sure the pulled hairs have roots.

4. Repeat the process until you have collected about 20-30 hairs with intact roots.

5. You can choose different places on the mane or tail. NOTE: For foals, we recommend pulling all hairs from the tail only. 

6. Tape the hairs to the submission form and fold the form along the dotted line to protect the sample. Do not use ziploc bags as they can cause condensation that allows mold to grow on the hair.

Hairs with roots

7. Place the folded form containing the sample in a paper envelope and mail it to the laboratory.

 

Type of Sample

Species

Breed

Type of Panel