Chronic Progressive Lymphedema

Underlying In Particular Draft Horse Breeds

Genetic linkage

Breeds AffectedBelgian(most effected)

ClydesdaleFresian

Gypsy VannerShire

Other German Breeds

What is CPL?

CPL is a condition that resembles"Scratches" by the progressive swelling,hyper keratosis, and fibrosis of the lowerlimbs. It is characteristic in draft horses,especially of German decent. The chronic

disease starts at an early age andprogresses throughout the life of thehorse and often ending in disfigurementand disability of the leg resulting in

premature death.

85.6%CPL

Phenotypic Certainty

66.6%CPL

Average Disease

Prevalence

>50%CPL

Of the Test

Population was

Affected

Implications of the Study

By:  Lainey Beeftink Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift, 2014.

Testing was completed at breed shows, leavinghorses that were too lame to attend the show out of

the research.

What Can We Do?

Little research has been completed except for whathas been completed in this study.

Begin genetic screening for CPL.

Practice good record keeping of breed, age, coatcolor and gender if a horse has CPL.

Do more research on CPL to understand where inthe genome it occurs.

Start outbreeding to stallions that have testednegative for CPL.

Purebreds were used solely in the study, no crosseswere used.