NANISMO EM MINI HORSE: ANÁLISE MORFOLÒGICA, ASPECTOS CLÍNICOS E GENÉTICOS – RELATO DE CASO

Abstract

Three cases of neonatal horses with phenotypic characteristics of dwarfism were observed all belonging to the Mini Horse breed. The animals showed typical signs of this condition, such as macrocephaly (abnormal enlargement of the head) in two of the cases and prognathism (deviation of thethe lower jawbone) in another two cases. Furthermore all three cases exhibited musculoskeletal changes with deformations in the metatarsal bones and members disproportionately short although without other significant bone changes. These phenotypic characteristics indicate a likely genetic basis for dwarfism within the breed, which makes the early recognition and diagnosis of these conditions so essential. With adequate diagnosis, it is possible to adopt responsible breeding practices, avoiding the transmission of this hereditary condition in subsequent generations and contributing to the well-being of the animals.