Hyperkalemic Period Paralysis (HYPP)
Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis is an inherited autosomal dominant disorder that is caused by a single-based substitution of guanine for cytosine in DNA. It is believed to be a genetic disorder that appears to have originated as a point of mutation in the Quarter Horse stallion Impressive.
Basically, the amino acid sequence is changed in the animal at the cellular level and sodium leaks through the cell pore. In the cell sodium should be pumped out of the cell and potassium within. As long as that gradient is maintained, the cell is at rest and no muscle contraction occurs.
Symptoms:
- Muscular fasuculations are evident down the rib cage and under the flank.
- The third eyelid may evert.
- The horse may appear as if having colic or "tying-up."
- At its most extreme, there can be tetany or paralysis of the muscles.
- If untreated, it could result in death.
- Horses experiencing severe episodes; serum potassium levels were elevated
from 3 mEq/L – 4 mEq/L (normal) to 12 mEq/L. This is one of the main indicators of HYPP.
Treatment:
First and most effective treatment is to keep the serum potassium down to normal.
- We can use mild exercise to help eliminate the extra potassium
- Control the potassium intake of the horse.
- It is in the alfalfa hay (3%), grass hay and could be in the grain and water.
- Test your hay for potassium. If it is grown on land that is highly fertilized or manure is spread on it WATCH OUT.
- Keep your total potassium level in the diet below 1.3%.
- Use cereal grains as a major portion of the diet. This will reduce variability in the ration and reduce the overall potassium concentration.
- Watch for molasses (4% potassium) and soybean meal (2.25%).
One thing to remember: Restricting the dietary sodium and potassium all together increases the risk of "tying-up."
American Association of Equine Practitioners
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