DNA Testing Released for Three New Health Variants through Etalon

Etalon Equine Genetics has recently released testing for three exciting new health variants. Chronic Idiopathic Anhidrosis risk, Glanzmann Thrombasthenia, and Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 (EHV-1) Induced Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) Risk are now available for testing only through EtalonDx. Read on to learn more about all three health variants, and explore whether testing is right for you and your horse!

Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 (EHV-1) Induced Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) Risk testing has been released by Etalon. Equine herpesviruses are DNA viruses that are found in most horses all over the world. It is believed that almost all horses have been infected with the viruses and have, most of the time, no serious side effects. Recently, there has been a trend of increasing numbers of outbreaks of a devastating form of EHV-1. Following infection, some horses then suffer Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), which is accompanied by serious and sometimes fatal neurological effects. Researchers have identified a genetic variant that correlates to a 1.43x increased risk of developing that neurological form (Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy, EHM) if infected by Equine Herpes Virus type 1 (EHV-1). Testing for this genetic variant is now available at etalondx.com. Explore how to better understand your horse’s risk of developing the neurological form (Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy, EHM) if infected by Equine Herpes Virus type 1 (EHV-1) here.

Etalon Equine Genetics now offers early discovery phase testing for [risk of Chronic Idiopathic Anhidrosis (CIA)]( in the horse. The presence of this variant indicates potential increased risk for developing chronic anhidrosis when exposed to environmental triggers, such as heat. Also known as “non-sweater”, anhidrosis is the medical term describing a compromised or complete inability to sweat in response to increased body temperature. Learn more and test your horse here.

Genetic Testing was recently released for the known genetic factors of Glanzmann Thrombasthenia (GT), a blood clotting disorder in horses. This is caused by a dysfunction of the blood platelets (thrombocytes). Affected horses often suffer from recurrent nosebleeds and frequent excessive bleeding, and show a lack of clotting. This condition may also result in improper wound closure or healing, and may cause serious problems with large wounds. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment. Learn more and test your horse here.