Name: LWFS Lethal White Foal Syndrome
Brand: Equigerminal
Price: 43.05 EUR

Product form

LWFS Lethal White Foal Syndrome

DNA test DNA test for the Overo gene that is associated with the Lethal White Foal Syndrome (LWFS). Sample 30...

€43.05

Sample Requirements

30 to 40 - hair roots - envelope or 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube

Send your sample by regular mail or express delivery to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

Turnaround Time

2 to 5 working days

About the test

This DNA test detects the Frame Overo (O) genetic variant, which is associated with the Frame Overo coat pattern and Lethal White Foal Syndrome (LWFS).

The test identifies horses that are clear, carriers or homozygous for the mutation, supporting responsible breeding decisions and reducing the risk of producing affected foals.

Why test?

This genetic test is recommended to:

Identify horses carrying the Frame Overo mutation.
Support responsible breeding decisions.
Prevent the birth of foals affected by Lethal White Foal Syndrome (LWFS).
Confirm the genetic status of horses with Frame Overo or other coat patterns, as the mutation may also occur in solid-coloured or tobiano horses.

How it works

🛒 Purchase the Test: Select and buy the test online.

📧 Receive Instructions: After payment confirmation, receive instructions for sample collection.

✨ Sample Collection: Your veterinarian collects hair roots or a blood sample.

📄 Download Submission Form: Download the printable submission form.

📮 Send Samples: Send your samples by regular mail or express delivery to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

📄 Receive Results: Get your result certificate by email.

Results

The DNA test verifies the presence of the mutation associated to the Overo and presents results as one of the following:

N/ – Non-Overo or ‘solid’ horse
O/N – Frame Overo horse. Horse carries just a single copy of frame Overo. Since frame Overo is a dominant gene, the coat pattern should be present in all horses with a single copy of the mutated gene.
O/ – A Lethal White Foal Syndrome (LWFS). Foal carries two copies, homozygous for frame Overo. Since no living frame Overo horse more than a week old will test as being homozygous, it applies only to horses in the Lethal White condition.

Additional information

Frame Overo is a highly desirable white spotting pattern caused by a mutation in the EDNRB gene.

Horses carrying one copy of the mutation (O/N) are healthy and express the characteristic Frame Overo coat pattern. However, breeding two Frame Overo horses together creates a 25% risk of producing a foal with two copies of the mutation (O/O).

Foals affected by Lethal White Foal Syndrome (LWFS) are typically born almost completely white and suffer from severe intestinal abnormalities due to the absence of normal nerve development in the digestive tract. Affected foals usually die within the first 72 hours of life or are humanely euthanised.

Because the Frame Overo pattern is not always visually obvious, genetic testing is the most reliable method to identify carriers and prevent affected matings.

FAQs

Which samples can be submitted?

The test can be performed using 30–40 hair roots or 5 mL of blood collected in a K3 EDTA tube.

Why should I test for the Frame Overo gene?

Testing identifies horses carrying the mutation associated with Frame Overo and helps prevent breeding combinations that could produce foals affected by Lethal White Foal Syndrome.

Can a horse carry the mutation without an obvious Frame Overo pattern?

Yes. Some horses with solid coats or other white patterning, including tobiano, may carry the mutation. DNA testing is the only reliable way to determine genetic status.

What causes Lethal White Foal Syndrome?

LWFS occurs when a foal inherits two copies (O/O) of the Frame Overo mutation, one from each parent.

How long does it take to receive the results?

Results are available within 2 to 5 working days after sample arrival at the laboratory.