HYPP is characterized by muscle tremors, weakness, paralysis, and collapse. Attacks are sporadic and can be accompanied by loud breathing due to paralysis of airway muscles. Sudden death can occur due to heart failure or respiratory muscle paralysis.
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 can you not feed a horse with HYPP?
Higher fat and calorie feeds may allow you to feed less, and this can lower total potassium as well when you can feed less to maintain body condition. Do not feed electrolytes containing potassium. Do not use high levels of cane, molasses, or bran mashes because they may be high in potassium.
What is the difference between PSSM and HYPP in horses?
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.
What does potassium do to horses?
Potassium is the most important ion in controlling osmotic pressure within cells, and most body potassium is stored within the muscles, playing a major role in the nerve signals that control muscle contractions.
What horses should be tested for HYPP?
The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of California Davis tests for HYPP mutations using main or tail hair. Quarter Horse foals born after 1998 that are offspring of an affected parent have a statement recommending DNA testing for HYPP on the Certificate of Registration.
How do you treat HYPP?
HYPP is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. 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.
Can horses with HYPP have beet pulp?
Beet pulp has a lower potassium level than most grass hays making it a useful substitute for horses with HYPP, where dietary potassium should be less than 1%. Beet pulp’s calcium content is good, as well, being higher than most grass hays although lower than alfalfa.
What is best to feed HYPP horse?
Grass hay usually contains a lower potassium level than alfalfa hay, so grass or mixed hay is recommended for HYPP horses. Feeding Legends® CarbCare® Performance or Legends® CarbCare® Senior for mature horses, with a limited amount of hay, allows for more control over the potassium level of the total diet.
Should you breed a horse with PSSM1?
Thus any time a horse with PSSM1 is bred there is a minimum chance of 50% of an affected foal being born even if the selected mate is completely normal. The risk of producing an affected offspring when breeding a horse with PSSM1 is much higher because it is a dominant disease.
