Atypical Equine Thrombasthenia (AET)

In collaboration with Dr. Fern Tablin, we are investigating the genetic etiology of Atypical Equine Thrombasthenia (AET) in Thoroughbred racehorses. On one breeding farm, AET occurred in 1:150 Thoroughbreds. Based on pedigree analysis, the disease appears to be heritable. This disease can be diagnosed by determining the extent to which platelets bind fibrinogen, with affected horses binding 35% or less fibrinogen than a healthy horse. Currently, genetic variants are being investigated to identify one that appears to be associated with AET.

AET is characterized by prolonged bleeding and epistaxis, or nose bleeding, caused by an inability for the horse to clot normally. This disease has currently only been diagnosed in the Thoroughbred breed.

Are you concerned that your horse may have AET? Contact our lab for more information on how you can aid in equine genetic research.