Lavender Foal Syndrome  Go Back
Author: Arab Horse Society    Date Published: 22 January 2014

Lavender Foal Syndrome (LFS) also known as Coat color Dilution Lethal (CCDL), is a recessive genetic disorder. Affected foals often have a difficult delivery, problems standing at birth and usually have episodes where they rigidly extend their limbs, neck and back. These episodes tend to resemble a seizure, although the affected foal does not seem normal between episodes. All affected foals are usually euthanised within days or weeks of birth.

The Onderstepoort Veterinary Genetics Laboratory in 2009 found the mutation responsible for the genetic condition known as Lavender Foal Syndrome (LFS) in Arabian horses and has developed a DNA-based test for this condition. Studies show that the prevalence of carriers in the Egyptian Arabian population is around 10%. (Source: Animal Genetics Inc.).

An agreement has been reached with Onderstepoort about the costs of testing for Lavender Foal Syndrome.

If a member of the Society wants to have their horse tested for LFS, a cheaper rate will be allowed, IF the result is made available to the Society for its records. These results will will be available to the all members of the Society.

Articles of Interest

Animal Genetics US: Lavender Foal Testing
Arabian Horses.org: Lavender Foal Syndrome