Unravelling Genetic Mechanisms Associated with Corneal Eye Disorder in Friesian Horses

Horses with bilateral corneal stromal loss (BCSL) develop lesions on approximately the same location of the cornea, or outer surface, on both eyes. While these lesions typically respond well to surgical repair, if left untreated, horses are at risk for cornea rupture and vision loss. Researchers will investigate suspected genetic mechanisms associated with BCSL in Friesian horses, a breed with an increased risk for this eye disorder. Identifying genes involved in disease development is a critical first step toward developing a screening test to improve diagnosis and lower disease incidence in Friesian horses.