Congenital underbite in Icelandic horse foals

Background

The malformation of the upper jaw, which is severely underdeveloped, causes these foals to have a severe underbite. In some foals, the upper jaw partially catches up, while others retain their severe underbite. There is a syndrome described that is linked to underproduction in the thyroid gland. This leads to the above-mentioned symptoms with severe underbite and often serious problems for the foal to move due to tendon contractures. Often, the mare has gone past her due date, but the foal appears to be premature (underdeveloped) and the thyroid gland is enlarged. The worst-affected foals usually do not survive without advanced veterinary care and in some cases must be euthanized. There are also foals that are born with an underbite without any other symptoms.

Participate in the study with your horse!

The researchers involved in the study are now looking to get in touch with breeders who have foals born with severe underbites so they can study this in more detail and investigate whether there is a genetic basis for the malformation.

Are you interested in contributing to the research and mapping of this syndrome? The first step is to estimate how many foals are born with this syndrome each year and then conduct a scientific study of the material we receive. The study will run for at least three years. If you would like to participate in the study, you will need to answer a questionnaire and take a few photographs of your foal. If you have had a foal with this syndrome in recent years and the horse is still alive, please contact us. We are also interested in getting in touch with owners of healthy foals to use as controls. We will send you the questionnaire with instructions by email after you contact us.

Collaborations

In addition to participants from SLU, Rebecka Frey, DVM, Chief Veterinarian at AniCura Norsholm Animal Hospital, is also part of the research group.