CPL is a genetic condition that causes progressive swelling, thickening of the skin, and fibrosis of the lower limbs in draft horse breeds like Belgians, Clydesdales, Friesians, and Shires. The study found CPL in over 85% of horses tested from these breeds with an average disease prevalence of 66%. Genetic screening and record keeping are recommended to better understand CPL and reduce its prevalence through selective breeding away from affected horses. More research is still needed to identify the genomic location of CPL.

1. Chronic Progressive
Lymphedema
Underlying In Particular Draft Horse Breeds
Genetic linkage
Breeds Affected
Belgian(most effected)
Clydesdale
Fresian
Gypsy Vanner
Shire
Other German Breeds
What is CPL?
CPL is a condition that resembles
"Scratches" by the progressive swelling,
hyper keratosis, and fibrosis of the lower
limbs. It is characteristic in draft horses,
especially of German decent. The chronic
disease starts at an early age and
progresses throughout the life of the
horse and often ending in disfigurement
and disability of the leg resulting in
premature death.

2. 85.6%
CPL
Phenotypic
Certainty
66.6%
CPL
Average Disease
Prevalence
>50%
CPL
Of the Test
Population was
Affected

3. Implications of the Study
By: Lainey Beeftink Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift, 2014.
Testing was completed at breed shows, leaving
horses that were too lame to attend the show out of
the research.
What Can We Do?
Little research has been completed except for what
has been completed in this study.
Begin genetic screening for CPL.
Practice good record keeping of breed, age, coat
color and gender if a horse has CPL.
Do more research on CPL to understand where in
the genome it occurs.
Start outbreeding to stallions that have tested
negative for CPL.
Purebreds were used solely in the study, no crosses
were used.