What horses live the longest?

What can affect the life expectancy of an Arabian horse?

Here are some of the main hereditary health conditions that may affect the life expectancy of an Arabian horse: Cerebellar Abiotrophy – this is a condition that affects the nervous systems of foals. It is passed on genetically from the sire or dam. It causes trembling and wobbliness and is uncurable.

Are there any genetic disorders in Arabian horses?

Hold Your Horses: Six genetic disorders exist in the Arabian horse. Two of these disorders are fatal (Severe combined immunodeficiency and Lavender Foal Syndrome), but with genetic testing and careful breeding, these disorders can be avoided.

How many vertebrae does the average Arab have?

Most Arabians, but not all, have 5 lumbar vertebrae rather than 6 and 17 pairs of ribs instead of 18.

Is there a DNA test for SCID in Arabian horses?

After many decades of expensive and time-consuming research, the good news is that for over 20 years there has been a DNA test available for the SCID found in Arabian horses, which was developed and patented by VetGen Laboratories in America.

What is the average Arabian horse lifespan?

The average Arabian horse lifespan is 25-30 years, which is the average lifespan for most horses. Diet, genetics, and workload influence lifespan. The cornerstone of the Arabian horse diet is forage, a combination of hay and grass and water.

Who is supporting the Arabian horse research?

Many individuals and institutions involved with Arabian horses have supported this research in many countries over the years, both by submitting samples from their horses and with financial donations – their generosity is outstanding and is to be commended.

What kind of diseases do Arabian horses have?

GENETIC DISORDERS IN THE ARABIAN BREED: There are four known genetic conditions in Arabian horses, which usually result in death or euthanasia of the affected animal. These are: Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disorder (SCID) (test available) Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA) (indirect marker test available)

What is severe combined immunodeficiency in horses?

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a recessive genetic defect of the immune system that occurs in Arabian and part-Arab horses. The mutation responsible for SCID is a five base pair deletion in the DNA-dependent protein kinase gene resulting in a truncation of the protein.

Does a horse have the SCID gene?

Normal. Horse does not have the SCID gene. Carrier. Horse carries 1 copy of the SCID gene. Affected. Horse has 2 copies of the SCID gene. Shin, E.K., Perryman, L.E., & Meek, K. (1997). A Kinase-Negative Mutation of DNA-PKcS in Equine SCID Results in Defective Coding and Signal Joint Formation. Journal of Immunology, 158 (8), 3565-3569.

What do you need to know about SCID in Arabian horses?

The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Code of Ethics requires disclosure of known carrier status of SCID, if known, for “any horse capable of reproducing that is being offered for breeding, sale, or lease”. The owners of a mare that produces an affected foal are required to notify the stallion owner immediately.

What are the differences between Arabian horses and other horses?

They have one lesser vertebra and rib than other horses. The Arabian horses have their own potential set of genetic diseases and they can affect the temperament of a horse to a great extent. Some diseases such as Cerebellar Abiotrophy can affect the coordination and balance of a horse. Epilepsy can also affect the Arabian horses sometimes.

How long can a horse with SCID live?

Affected foals are highly susceptible to infections from which they cannot recover. There is no cure for SCID and affected foals typically do not survive past six months of age. A causative mutation has been identified and a genetic test for SCID is available.

What causes SCID in horses?

Inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder, SCID has been identified in horses of Arabian and part-Arabian descent. A mutation in the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) gene, which codes for an enzyme critical to the development of the immune system and the ability to protect against infections, has been identified in affected individuals.

What causes SCID in foals?

SCID in Foals. One of the most common causes of infection in SCID foals is adenovirus, which causes a severe bronchopneumonia . Other types of infections can involve bacteria, fungal, and protozoal infections. Testing for the SCID gene is now commercially available.

What is SCID in horses?

SCID is an autosomal recessive inherited condition identified in Arabian and part-Arabian horses. Affected foals are highly susceptible to infections from which they cannot recover. There is no cure for SCID and affected foals typically do not survive past six months of age.

What percentage of Arabian horses have SCID?

It is estimated that 2-3% of Arabian foals have SCID. This would suggest that 25% of Arabian horses carry the defect gene. Severe Combined Immunodeficiency is an inherited autosomal recessive trait. This means that a horse can be genetically clear (homozygous normal), affected, or a carrier (heterozygous).

Is there a genetic test for SCID?

Currently, a genetic test for SCID is available. This commercial test requires a sample of whole blood or cheek swabs and is dependent on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques to amplify the foal’s DNA present in the sample.

How to choose the right Arabian horse?

If you are a rider, it is always important to choose a horse that compliments your expertise. Be certain that the Arabian horse you choose undergoes a pre-purchase exam by a qualified veterinarian to ensure he or she is healthy and suited to making your dreams come true.

Is African horse sickness legal in Australia?

African horse sickness is the most serious known viral disease of horses, resulting in up to 95% mortality. It is an exotic disease which has never been reported in Australia. African horse sickness is listed as prohibited matter in New South Wales.

What is mild horse sickness fever?

Mild or horse sickness fever form. Mild to subclinical disease is seen in zebras and African donkeys. Infected animals may have a low-grade fever and congested mucous membrane. The survival rate is 100%.

What is combined immunodeficiency in horses?

Foals with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) are born with severely weakened immune systems. SCID is an autosomal recessive inherited condition identified in Arabian and part-Arabian horses. Affected foals are highly susceptible to infections from which they cannot recover.