Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (veterinary Medicine)

Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (veterinary Medicine)

Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) is an inherited disorder that is also known as Red Foot Disease or Hairless Foal Syndrome. JEB is the result of a genetic mutation that inhibits protein production that is essential for skin adhesion. Therefore, tissues, such as skin and mouth epithelia, are affected. As a result, blisters form over the entire body causing pain and discomfort. Also, the open sores leave the newborn foal highly susceptible to secondary infection.The condition can be categorized into two types of mutations: JEB1 and JEB2. JEB1 is found in Belgian Draft horses, as well as other related Draft breeds. In contrast, JEB2 is found in American Saddlebred horses.