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Posted by PH Cody on October 10, 2002 at 15:42:52:
In Reply to: Re: Dwarf horses posted by XxcowgirlxX on September 03, 2002 at 22:44:25:
:Hi, thank you for responding!
:I am talking about a dwarf mini. I know that they are a genetic defect in minis, but I'm looking for information on them so i can help an abused one i know about. it would be better if i had information on them to help me help her. It's ok if you don't have anything about them. Thank you!
Sorry I haven't answered here before! That's part of the problem with these boards, hard to find new posts until we get a "Find New" function! I do hope you had luck in rescuing the little mare. Dwarfism is indeed a genetic defect, and can actually affect any horses, but seems more prevalent in miniatures. That's very likely because milder forms aren't as noticable in such small horses as they are in the bigger breeds, and so keeps getting bred back into the gene pool. Dwarfism can cause severe leg and head problems. The growth plates in the legs grow irregularily or not at all, setting the horse up for major joint problems and early, painful arthritis. They also have tendon problems and other soft tissue problems due to poor conformation. Their jaws are very often undershot, which makes it hard for them to properly chew their food, more prone to colic, and more likely to damage their mouthes just from the simple act of chewing. It also allows their teeth to grow out faster and at odd angles, so they need to be seen by a vet for correction/floating much more often than a normal horse would. Another trait that is relatively common is the bulged forehead and severely dished face. This can result in all kinds of nasal problems, eye problems, and difficulty breating and eating. Other problems they are prone to are vertebral deviations which can cause arthritis or even direct pain to the spinal chord if severe. That would be a terribly painful life. They tend to have larger intestines than their body is built to hold, giving them a very pot-bellied appearance and making them more prone to intestinal problems. This on top of the undershot jaw is a really bad thing, considering that mini's themselves are more prone to intestinal problems anyway! They are also likely to show signs of mental retardation, inactivity or depression, or a combination of any of those. Pain would be one reason for the inactivity and/or depression. Best of luck to you- PH Cody
I hope that helps some. I'd highly recommend getting with a good equine vet to help you set up a good feed schedule for this little one, as well as regular check-ups for her teeth and general health. She's lucky to have you trying to help her. Most breeders are ethical, and will try to avoid breeding dwarfism, but there are always bad apples out there. Unfortunately, some will breed for these traits just to make money on something "rare" and "different"...regardless of the fact that it leads to some very sad, horrible deaths in the mini world :(