Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA)
Summary
HERDA is one of the 5 tests in the traditional QH 5-panel, which we now call the QH health panel. It is useful for Quarter Horses, Paints, Appaloosas, Quarter Ponies and any other breeds with some Quarter Horse bloodlines. Horses with two copies of the HERDA gene have extremely fragile skin, particularly along their back. Their skin can rip or tear easily. The large wounds that result from this tearing are painful and like most wounds on horses carry a substantial risk of infection.
Horses with one copy of the HERDA gene (HERDA carriers) are not affected.
The HERDA carriers are most commonly found in cutting horse lines. HERDA also exists outside of the cutting horse population, but is rarer.
Gene or region and technical reference
Gene: CYPB (causative). Reference: Patent (ceased)
Reported alleles
n. Test developed using manufactured DNA, animal controls.
HERDA. Test developed using manufactured DNA, animal cases.
Panels: groups of tests that are often ordered together
This test is in the QH health panel.
This test is in the QH health & colour panel.
