Genetic Testing Released for Equine Blood Clotting Disorder Glanzmann Thrombasthenia (GT)

Glanzmann Thrombasthenia (GT) is 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. EtalonDx has now released testing for the known genetic factors of Glanzmann Thrombasthenia (GT). Read on for more information or to test your horse!

What is Glanzmann Thrombasthenia (GT)?

Glanzmann Thrombasthenia (GT) is an inherited platelet function disorder, resulting from a reduction in the platelet fibrinogen receptor protein. Clinical signs can be characterized by bleeding on the skin or from the mouth/nostril/gastrointestinal mucosas, and may include skin rashes with blood spots under the skin, nasal bleeding, gastrointestinal and gingival bleedings. Two mutations in the gene encoding platelet glycoprotein IIb, Integrin Alpha-2B (ITGA2B), have been implicated in the GT condition. Although GT has been associated with a recessive mode of inheritance, heterozygous combinations from both variants have been implicated in GT cases. GT can be a differential diagnosis ​for horses with platelet-type bleeding, especially nasal bleeding not related to exercise or of unknown origin (not thrombocytopenic or from von Willebrand disease).

Fun fact: In humans, over 10 mutations in the ITGA2B gene were correlated to Glanzmann Thrombasthenia!

What will my horse’s results look like?

G/G and/or GACAGGTGAG/GACAGGTGAG

No variants - Negative for the known genetic factors of Glanzmann Thrombasthenia (GT). Horse may still have Glanzmann Thrombasthenia (GT) signs from novel/unknown mutations.

G/C or GACAGGTGAG/- One allele (at either locus) - Horse is a carrier for Glanzmann Thrombasthenia (GT). Selective breeding is advised as to not produce homozygous or compound heterozygous offspring.

G/C and GACAGGTGAG/- ; or C/C ; or -/- Two alleles (at either locus) - Horse is affected by Glanzmann Thrombasthenia (GT). Please consult with your attending veterinarian about management for this condition.

References:

Christopherson, P.W., van Santen, V.L., Livesey, L. and Boudreaux, M.K. (2007), A 10-Base-Pair Deletion in the Gene Encoding Platelet Glycoprotein IIb Associated with Glanzmann Thrombasthenia in a Horse. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 21: 196-198. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2007.tb02947.x

Christopherson PW, Insalaco TA, Santen VL van, Livesey L, Bourne C, Boudreaux MK. Characterization of the cDNA Encoding αIIb and β3 in Normal Horses and Two Horses with Glanzmann Thrombasthenia. Veterinary Pathology. 2006;43(1):78-82. doi:10.1354/vp.43-1-78