How Do You Know If Your Horse Has Hypp?

A DNA test is performed to verify that a horse has HYPP. Hair samples (with the roots attached) can be submitted to the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory.

What triggers HYPP in horses?

HYPP results from a mutation in the muscle’s sodium channel. The channel becomes leaky, which causes the muscle to be more sensitive. As a result the muscles contract involuntarily with blood potassium changes. This can occur with stress or fasting followed by eating high potassium feed like alfalfa.

Can you ride a horse with HYPP?

Should an HYPP-positive horse be ridden? According to Dr. Spier’s studies, the chance of a paralysis episode occurring while the horse is being ridden is unlikely. However, muscle spasms are unpredictable and can occur with only slight symptoms.

What bloodlines carry HYPP?

The bloodline of the stallion Impressive dominated the American Quarter Horse world for many years. Today it is well known as a direct link to a genetic illness called HYPP or hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. This disease causes the muscle cells in a horse to be unable to handle any potassium that they eat.

What is the difference between HYPP and PSSM?

Type 1 PSSM is a common cause for tie-up signs in Quarter Horses, Paints, Appaloosas, and warmbloods. PSSM can often be managed with diet and exercise changes but there is no cure or medication used to treat it. HYPP is an inherited muscle disease causing an abnormality in how muscle cells manage electrolytes.

Do all Impressive horses have HYPP?

In 1992, researchers designated the Impressive line of horses as carriers. Not all horses of that line had HYPP, but all horses with HYPP were descended from Impressive himself. In 1994, a genetic test that utilized DNA from hair or blood, was perfected, this determined whether a horse had HYPP or not.

What can you not feed a horse with HYPP?

Most commercially prepared sweet and pelleted feeds are a no-no for HYPP-positive horses because they contain molasses. According to Nutrient Requirements of Horses, molasses often possesses as much as 6% potassium.

How much does HYPP testing cost?

To have your horse tested for HYPP, please complete the blanks below and mail it to our office with the $40 testing fee (U.S. Funds Only). Once we receive this, we will send you a hair collection kit with complete instructions.

What do you feed a horse with HYPP?

Horses with recurrent episodes of HYPP should be fed diets that contain 0.6 – 1.5% potassium. A single meal should contain no more than 33 grams of this mineral. If a low-potassium diet is not feasible, horses with HYPP can adapt to high-potassium diets.

How did Impressive get HYPP?

Impressive was born in 1969, and in short order he passed the dominant HYPP gene on to thousands within his breed, a domino effect of disease rushed along by artificial insemination. The disease stands out because its spread was hastened and, in effect, promoted by breeders.

How do you treat HYPP in horses?

Treatment of HYPP attacks by intravenous application of calcium gluconate, bicarbonate and glucose results in rapid recovery. Consequent dietary management and daily administration of acetazolamide effectively controls the disease.

What is a blue Valentine horse?

Blue Valentine is a legendary stallion who was the perfect blend of arena horse and working horse. He was a beautiful blue roan stallion, born in 1956. He was sired by another legendary horse, Red Man, and his mother was a mare by the name of Beauty’s Dream. Red Man was a top ranch horse and a son of Joe Hancock.

What is the 5 panel test for horses?

The panel tests for Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP), Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy type 1 (PSSM 1), Malignant Hyperthermia (MH), Hereditary Epidermal Regional Dermal Asthenia (HERDA), and Glycogen Branching Enzyme Deficiency (GBED).

How do you manage HYPP?

HYPP horse should be maintained on a low-potassium diet and should be turned out as much as possible. If turn out is limited then they should be put on a program of regular light exercise. Regular exercise helps prevent attacks.

Why are Quarter Horses so muscular?

Natural genetic mutations on the myostatin gene cause a few unique breeds (Paint, Quarter Horses and some Thoroughbreds) to grow higher proportions of fast twitch muscle fibers (up to 80% more) and 12.5% more overall muscle mass.

Is HYPP dominant or recessive?

Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) occurs in horses related to the Quarter Horse stallion “Impressive” and is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.

What hay is lowest in potassium?

Oat hay and grass hay are the lowest in potassium.

What are 3 things horses should not eat?

Here are eight foods you should never feed your horse:

• Chocolate. ©russellstreet/Flickr CC.
• Persimmons.
• Avocado.
• Lawn clippings.
• Pitted fruits.
• Bread.
• Potatoes and other nightshades.
• Yogurt or other milk products.

Can you give a horse electrolytes everyday?

Electrolyte deficiency can lead to dehydration with its associated health consequences, so, feeding electrolytes daily replaces lost minerals and will help keep your horse hydrated by encouraging him to drink.

How accurate are horse DNA tests?

Many laboratories that now conduct these tests offer a 99.9% accuracy thanks to upgraded technology and the abundance of information regarding DNA and genetic profiles of various horse breeds. It does, however, seem to be more difficult to pinpoint the results for a mixed breed than it does for a purebred horse.

What causes high potassium in horses?

Some horses are more susceptible to increased potassium levels and these are horses with HYPP or hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. HYPP is a genetic muscle disease that was first recognized in quarter horse studs and it is believed 4 percent of the quarter horses are currently affected.