JEB
is a fatal disorder that has been documented in Belgian foals, related
breeds and more recently, American Saddlebreds. A recessive mutation
(two copies of the mutation are necessary to produce disease) results in
a dysfunctional structural protein that serves to anchor skin cells
within the dermis. There is no known treatment. Foals are usually
euthanized after diagnosis, due to the pain associated with the disease.
Those that are not euthanized usually die of infection within 2 weeks.
Skin lesions appear as irregular ulcerated areas over bony prominences
that become more extensive with age. Ulceration of the coronary band is
usually present and may proceed to sloughing of the hooves (see photo