Genetics of Skin Disease in Horses

Abstract

Equine skin diseases are common, causing increased costs and reduced welfare of affected horses.Genetic testing, if available, can complement early detection, disease diagnosis, and clinical treatment and offers horse breeders the possibility to rule out carrier status. The mechanisms of complex disease can be investigated by using the latest state-of-the-art genomic technologies. Genome-based strategies may also serve as an efficient and cost-effective strategy for the management of the disease severity levels, with particular interest in complex traits such as insect bite hypersensitivity, chronic progressive lymphedema, and melanoma.

Keywords: Chronic progressive lymphedema; Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; Genetics; Hereditary skin disorders; Horses; Insect bite hypersensitivity; Melanoma.