Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis
Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) is a type of muscle disorder commonly found in the American horse breed. At first, the disease appears to have symptoms similar to other muscle disorders, but it is actually quite different and is caused by a variety of factors. Anyone who owns an American Quarter horse — or a horse that has been crossbred with an American Quarter — should know what HYPP is and how to identify it in order to get immediate veterinary care.
Symptoms and types
Because HYPP affects the muscles, a horse will generally show stiffness in their muscles or have a muscle tremor. These ‘attacks’ may subside quickly or may spread as the disease progresses. Other common signs of HYPP include:
- Contraction of the facial muscles, sometimes causing the animal to “smile”
- Odd body postures (such as swaying or stumbling)
- Frequent standing or lying down
- soft muscles
the reasons
Genetically transmitted, the paralytic effects of hyperkalemia are due to the way a horse’s body handles sodium and potassium ions. When sodium ions leak into the horse’s muscle cells, vital potassium ions are pushed out of the cells.
diagnose
HYPP is only found in a very small percentage of the world’s equine population, so, needless to say, it is not a diagnosis that is often made. Your veterinarian may take a thorough medical history on your horse and ask you a lot of questions about its health and diet.
treatment or treatment
Periodic paralysis cannot be cured with hyperkalemia, but there are ways to help control this disorder, including dietary changes. Horses with HYPP should have a diet consisting of 1 percent potassium. In addition, there are some foods that should be avoided at all costs, including bran, sugar beets, molasses, and even alfalfa. Consult your vet regarding your horse’s new diet, as many nutrients and vitamin or mineral supplements contain potassium.
protection
Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis is a genetically transmitted disease that unfortunately cannot be prevented.
