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Brachiocephalic Dwarf Horses
The term “brachiocephalic” refers to anomalies of the head and limbs,
and this term is properly applied to this type of equine dwarf. The
brachiocephalic dwarf horse has far more observable anomalies than the
achondroplastic dwarf, and this type of dwarfism is far more disabling,
primarily because of the severe leg deformities and nasal constriction.
Like all forms of dwarfism, brachiocephalic dwarfism may range from very
mind to crippling, and many of these types of dwarfs are killed by their
breeders at birth.
Common traits of the brachiocephalic dwarf include:
- Facial Anomalies – These problems include a bulbous head
which gives the face a dished appearance and a flat nasal bridge with
constrained passages, similar to the mashed-in face of a Pekinese dog.
- Bad legs – These problems include enlarged leg joints,
twisted legs and severe fetlock deviations.
- Dental problems – The most common
malocclusion problems include a severe
under-bite (monkey jaw), and retained caps, a condition where the baby
teeth are retained after the adult teeth have erupted.
- Spinal Issues – Common traits include protruding spinal vertebrae, a roached (hunched) back or a very short neck.
Figure 1: A Brachiocephalic dwarf horse
The dwarf pictured above has minimal equine dwarfism. He has a severe
under-bite and a protruding backbone, but developed joint problems
and was forced to use a
wheelchair.
Again, these traits are mutually exclusive and each trait may vary in
severity. The factorial interaction of the 36 genes contributing to
equine dwarfism creates thousands of variations on brachiocephalic
dwarfism, ranging from a minimal dwarf with sound legs and a short neck,
to a grossly-deformed “monster” with nostrils immediately under the
eyes.
We also see
severe lag deviations in these dwarfs (Figure 2), and expensive surgery
and farrier care are required to correct the condition. Sadly, some
breeders will kill their ponies rather than pay to have them treated.
Figure 2: Common foot deviations in a Brachiocephalic dwarf
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