Lavender Foal Syndrome (LFS) is a lethal genetic disorder with neurological symptoms found in foals of Arabian horses, it is also known as Coat Colour Dilution Lethal (CCDL).
Affected foals are often delivered with difficulty (Dystocia), at birth, foals are unable to stand or sit upright, they extend their limbs, legs and back rigidly, the head and neck are drawn back, convulsions or spasms and rapid eye movements. it is thought that neurological symptoms are due to brain legion and disturbance of the Central nervous System.
The coat colour of most but not all affected foals is described to be very pale chestnut, lavender or light purple, pewter, pale pink or even silvery . The eyes have been described as grayish brown or having blue tint.
Affected foals will die, however, they are usually euthanized within few days of birth on humane grounds.
There is no treatment for the disease.
Lavender Foal Syndrome is only found in Arabian horses, particularly in Egyptian Arabian where prevalence is estimated at about 10%.
