Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis is an inherited disease of Quarter Horses. At least one of the parents of an affected animal must also carry the gene and/or be affected, but not necessarily both because this is a dominant condition and only one abnormal gene need be present.
HYPP is characterized by:
- Intermittent attacks of muscle weakness which can appear as muscle tremors
- Weakness
- Disorientation
- Convulsions
Attacks frequently occur suddenly, like a seizure, choking, or colic-like symptoms and may resolve just as quickly.
Diagnosis of HYPP can be made from a blood sample by the identification of the gene using molecular techniques. Because the disease is genetic, there is no cure; however, management of the diet and in some cases medication may prevent clinical manifestation of the disease in a positively tested horse.
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Originated from the American Youth Horse Council's
Horse Industry Handbook
The umbrella organization providing leadership and resources for the youth horse industry.
1-800-TRY-AYHC
