An Investigation into the Genetics of ‘Wobbler Disease’ in Thoroughbred Horses in Britain

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Abstract
Thoroughbred (TB) horses [67] in Britain suffering from clinical wobbler disease were divided into 5 groups, based on the presence or absence of pathological lesions and their nature. These groups were compared genetically with a control group of 67 TB known not to exhibit signs of wobbling. Though analyzed for both simple and complex modes of inheritance no evidence of a genetic basis was found in any group. The high breed incidence in TB may be real or apparent. Considerably more male than female wobblers are reported. Other forms of possibly inherited ataxia in equidae are reviewed and reference is made to pathologically comparable conditions occurring in man and in the large breeds of dogs.