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.

[1] JEB is the result of a genetic mutation that inhibits protein production that is essential for skin adhesion.

[3] Blisters form over the entire body causing pain and discomfort,[1] and open sores leave newborn foals highly susceptible to secondary infection.

There are other symptoms associated, such as alopecia (hair loss), abnormalities of fingernails and toenails, and joint deformities.

[5] Children born with JEB may not live past the first year of age if the condition is severe enough.

JEB affects tissues including mucous membranes, so one of the first signs is blistering of the gingiva and tongue after the first attempt at nursing.

[8] Other symptoms that occur in JEB: Biopsies of the skin may be performed to identify the cleavage that takes place at the dermal-epidermal junction.

[9] This method allows mane and tail samples to be genetically tested for the mutated genes that cause the condition.

[1] One of the biggest risks factors faced by the affected foals is susceptibility to secondary infection.