What lies behind this almost unpronounceable name? Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis is a hereditary, incurable metabolic disease that primarily affects Quarter Horses, Paint Horses, and Appaloosas, whose bloodlines all trace back to the Quarter Horse stallion "Impressive."
The cause of this disease is a genetic defect caused by a mutation (a spontaneous but permanent change in the genetic material). This genetic defect leads to a blockage of the sodium ion channel (a channel in the cell wall) of the muscle cells. Sodium ions can thus flow unhindered into the muscle cells, causing uncontrolled contraction and relaxation of the muscles.
HYPP is inherited dominantly, which means that even one altered gene is enough for the disease to develop. However, the clinical symptoms are more severe when both genes are affected.
The symptoms can vary greatly depending on the extent and severity of the disease. However, it is still unclear why not all HYPP-positive animals show symptoms (only about 70% of all gene defect carriers).
The first symptoms usually appear between the ages of 3 and 7 during periods of rest or in stressful situations (transport, change of stable). Affected animals experience varying degrees of muscle tremors, heavy sweating, weakness, and breathing noises. However, in severe cases, the disease can also manifest itself in acute paralysis attacks and collapse with sudden death of the animal due to cardiac or respiratory arrest.
A special genetic test is required to detect the HYPP gene defect. In the USA, this test is mandatory for all offspring of the stallion "Impressive" by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). If symptoms are already present, the veterinarian will be able to make a quick preliminary diagnosis based on a thorough general examination and the owner's detailed preliminary report. To confirm this, they can take a blood sample. In the event of a HYPP attack, increased levels of potassium can be detected in the animal's blood (hyperkalemia).
For HYPP-positive horses that have not yet shown any symptoms, no changes should be made to the horse's husbandry or feeding. For horses that have already shown symptoms, special short-term and long-term measures are necessary.
In the event of an acute attack, a veterinarian should always be called immediately to reduce the excess potassium in the blood by administering medication and infusions. If possible, try to keep the horse moving gently in a safe place (indoor arena, pasture), as movement also reduces the potassium content in the blood.
Long-term measures include regular and continuous exercise for the affected horse, a special low-potassium diet, and the administration of certain medications that increase potassium excretion via the kidneys. Your veterinarian will draw up an individual treatment plan for your horse.
The disease is incurable. Horses with the genetic defect in both genes (homozygous) often die at foaling age. In the case of a heterozygous genetic defect, the risk of an attack cannot be completely avoided, but it can be significantly minimized through long-term feeding and management.
Horses that have been diagnosed with the HYPP genetic defect must be excluded from breeding, even if they do not show any symptoms.
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