Appaloosa
independent, enduring, clever
Traits & strengths
- ✦unmistakable leopard complex patterning in great variety
- ✦enduring and sure-footed — historically the horse of the Nez Perce
- ✦versatile from cattle work to endurance riding
- ✦hard hooves and robust constitution
Breed-typical predispositions
CSNB (congenital stationary night blindness)
Disease →tied to LP homozygosity (LP/LP) — affected animals see poorly in low light. Congenital and non-progressive; plannable via the LP genotype
Equine recurrent uveitis (moon blindness)
Disease →markedly increased ERU risk with leopard complex genetics — the most affected breed of all; ophthalmic checks belong to the routine
PSSM1 (GYS1)
Disease →present through Quarter Horse crossing; low-starch management
Latest findings
LP/CSNB cause (TRPM1)
2008/2013A TRPM1 insertion produces the leopard complex patterning and causes congenital stationary night blindness when homozygous — colour and vision sit at the same locus.
Source · Bellone et al. — TRPM1/CSNB
ERU risk with leopard complex
ongoingAppaloosas carry a multiply increased risk of equine recurrent uveitis; early ophthalmic examination decides whether sight is preserved.
Source · UC Davis VGL — Leopard Complex & Uveitis