Lethal White Syndrome

There is no particular care that can be done at home. It is important to call your veterinarian as soon as the problem becomes evident.

Because of the genetic implications of this problem it is unwise to breed an overo mare to an overo stallion without genetic testing. The problem has also occurred between an overo – non-overo mating where the non-overo parent has overo coloring in his pedigree. If a mare or stallion has produced a lethal white foal, there is no need to test these animals genetically. They are already known to be carriers because of their progeny. Hair can be pulled from the horse's mane and submitted to the above laboratories. It is important that the hair shaft includes the hair root.