Global InformationLavender foal syndrome information
Lavender foal syndrome (LFS), also called coat color dilution lethal (CCDL), is an autosomal recessive genetic disease that affects newborn foals of certain Arabian horse bloodlines. Affected LFS foals have severe neurological abnormalities, cannot stand, and require euthanasia shortly after birth. The popular name originates due to a diluted color of the foal's coat, that in some cases appears to have a purple or lavender hue. However, not all foals possess the lavender coat colour, and colouring can range from silver to light chestnut to a pale pink. Carrier horses have no clinical signs and DNA testing can determine if a horse carries the gene.