Genetic testing for Appaloosas

[openspace]

I am considering purchasing an Appaloosa mare. I have no significant experience with Appies but I am aware of their increased risk for CSNB (night blindness) / ERU (uveitis).

In my research, I found that homozygous LP horses essentially de facto have night blindness. ERU risk is more nuanced, but potentially also influenced by the PATN gene.

My question: Through a Google search, I found a few providers of DNA testing for the LP and PATN genes, the most prominent of which appeared to be Animal Genetics. There are also a few state college labs that appear to offer testing.

Has anyone used Animal Genetics for testing, and was the experience positive? Are there any other genetic tests recommended for Appies while I am sending in the sample?

[Highflyer1]

I’m not familiar with this test, but my vet generally recommends UC Davis for DNA testing and we’ve had good luck with them so I’d check if they offer it.

[JB]

AG is a legit company

[Warmblood1]

I second UC Davis. They were a bit backed up and weren’t receiving orders from new clients but I think that’s over now.

[walktrot]

I’ve been using Etalon for several years. One reason I switched is that they test for many more colors and patterns than UCD. Their basic panel includes tests for some of the prominent diseases and conditions that are genetic. I have a sabino Paint who doesn’t have te sabino gene, Sb1. There are a few behavioral genes included. My gelding has two copies of curiosity vs. vigilance and two sprint vs. endurance genes. He can do one good burst of speed but don’t expect much beyond 8 furlongs. They have an ancestry analysis also.

They do a lot of research. Dominant white tests are in the 30s and a few more appear regularly. You also can create a horse to see what you get with different color combinations. They also have a panel for Paints for APHA registration.

[TheHunterKid90]

Etalon has routinely produced faulty 5 panel results in quarter horses. There’s a reason aqha REQUIRES testing to come from UC Davis.
With that being said, AG is a legit company as well.

[JB]

Yeah just don’t bother with Etalon, they mess up tooooo many things

[rulex]

I have used Animal Genetics for the QH panel and had no issues. I would use them again next time I needed to do genetic testing.

[ET_s_Home]

Is the seller aware you are taking genetic samples for testing?

[openspace]

Thank you, everyone, for the insights!

I chose to go with Animal Genetics because of their faster turnaround time and I’d like to get answers sooner than later. I purchased the tests and sent the sample today.

To my surprise, as of this morning, they are having a 50% off sale for the release of their new website (much better than their former one as you are able to pay via a cart at checkout). The code worked for my APP color test, for anyone interested in color or other testing.

@ET_s_Home, yes, the seller is aware and helped me collect the samples. I always ask and am clear about my intentions and reasons for doing so before an undertaking of this type on someone else’s horse. I plan to share results with seller.