Bilateral atavistic polydactyly in a colt and its dam.
Abstract: POLYDACTYLY is perhaps the most frequently reported congenital phalangeal anomaly in horses and, with reference to the stallion Boukephalos ridden by Alexander the Great, it has commanded attention since antiquity (Leipold and MacDonald 1971). Polydactylism is defined as the occurrence of a larger number of digits than typical for a certain species. It has been described in horse, cattle, swine, dog, cat, pigeon, poultry and guinea pig as well as in man (Wiesner and Willer 1974). In horses, the supernumerary digit is found in the forelimb in about 80 per cent of cases, and mainly on the medial side (Evans, Jenny and Raker 1965; Behrens. Donawick and Raker 1979). Of 100 affected horses, 60 per cent had a supernumerary digit in one limb. 24 per cent in two limbs and 15 per cent in all four limbs (Lindemann 1909; Reinhardt 1955). The occurrence of two supernumerary digits In one extremity has been described (Wilson 1927). A review of 100 horses with polydactylism revealed sewn cases of tridaciyly (Lindemann 1909). In cattle, polydactylism has been reported as an inherited condition, a dominant autosomal mutation with incomplete penetration (Lcipold, Dennis and Huston 1972; Hamori 1983). Some authors refer to the possibility of heredity transmission of polydactyly in the horse, but we could not find evidence in the cited literature of the occurrence of polydactyly in a dam and its offspring (Leipold and MacDonald 1971; McGavin and Leipold 1975; Lose 1978). This paper reports a case of bilateral medial atavistic polydactyly in a 14-week-old colt and the surgical intervention. The same anomaly had occurred in its dam. Some aspects of nomenclature of polydactyly are also discussed.
Publication Date: 1986-01-01 PubMed ID: 3948838DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1986.tb03546.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This study observes and provides information on an uncommon genetic condition in horses, known as polydactyly, which results in more digits than usual. This rare occurrence was found in a colt and its mother, marking a significant discovery in context of heredity transmission.
Research Context
- The research focuses on polydactyly, a condition wherein an individual has more digits than usual for their species. This condition has been recorded in various species, including, but not limited to, horses, cats, dogs, and humans.
- There has been historical documentation of this condition in horses, with most cases involving an extra digit on the forelimb, predominantly on the medial side.
- In horses, the occurrence of multiple extra digits in one limb has been infrequently documented. Prior studies noted an incident rate of 60% for an extra digit in one limb, 24% in two limbs, and 15% in all four limbs.
- In cattle, there is evidence of polydactyly being a hereditary condition traced to a dominant autosomal mutation. However, there is a lack of documented evidence for hereditary patterns of polydactyly in horses.
Research Findings and Implications
- The paper discusses a unique case of bilateral medial atavistic polydactyly in a 14-week-old colt, which required surgical intervention.
- This case is of particular interest as the colt’s dam (mother) had previously exhibited the same anomaly, suggesting a hereditary occurrence.
- This observation challenges the current understanding and provides possible new insights into the heredity pattern of polydactyly in horses, which was previously less understood compared to other species such as cattle.
Nomenclature Discussion
- Alongside the investigation into the occurrence of polydactyly, the research also takes a look at the nomenclature, suggesting that the terminology associated with the condition may need to be reassessed or expanded.
Cite This Article
APA
Stanek C, Hantak E.
(1986).
Bilateral atavistic polydactyly in a colt and its dam.
Equine Vet J, 18(1), 76-79.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1986.tb03546.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Forelimb / abnormalities
- Forelimb / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / congenital
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / genetics
- Horses
- Male
- Radiography
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Carstanjen B, Abitbol M, Desbois C. Bilateral Polydactyly in a foal. J Vet Sci 2007 Jun;8(2):201-3.
- Baville E, Carstanjen B, Thomas-Cancian A, Calgaro A, Bonnet N, Tiret L, Gache V, Abitbol M. Inherited non-syndromic polydactyly in a Berber and Arabian-Berber horse family. Equine Vet J 2025 Nov;57(6):1511-1519.
- Luan Y, Zhong L, Li C, Yue X, Ye M, Wang J, Zhu Y, Wang Q. A dominant missense variant within LMBR1 related to equine polydactyly. Commun Biol 2024 Oct 31;7(1):1420.
- Vincelette AR, Renders E, Scott KM, Falkingham PL, Janis CM. Hipparion tracks and horses' toes: the evolution of the equid single hoof. R Soc Open Sci 2023 Jun;10(6):230358.
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