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HYPP is an acronym for
Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis, which is an inherited disease that
leads to uncontrolled muscle twitching or profound muscle weakness and
in severe cases may lead to collapse and/or death.
Only one copy of the defective HYPP gene is required to produce the
disease. A heterozygous (N/H) stallion or mare bred to a normal (N/N)
stallion or mare will result in approximately half of the offspring
being affected and half being normal. The homozygote (H/H) horse is
severely affected with the disease and will pass the gene to its
offspring 100 percent of the time. The disease is not contagious, it can
only be acquired through heredity.
The disease produces a defective sodium channel that makes the horse's
muscle too excitable (firing more readily than normal) which leads to
sporadic episodes of muscle tremors or paralysis that can last anywhere
from a few minutes to several hours. The sodium channel is a membrane
"pore" or channel in the muscle membrane which opens and closes
allowing for exchange of the electrolyte sodium from outside to inside
of the muscle cell. Proper function of the sodium channel is essential
for electrical activity and contraction of the muscle fibers. The HYPP
defect causes a change in the protein structure of a part of the sodium
channel.
The gene can be detected through a whole blood sample which is available
through the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of
California at Davis.
HYPP can effect humans as well as horses. But since the disease is a
genetic defect, you cannot 'catch' HYPP from a horse.
The American Quarter Horse Registry, beginning in 1999, will test foals
who trace to Impressive for HYPP prior to them being registered.
Additionally, beginning with the 1997 AQHA Official Handbook, HYPP will
be listed in rule 205 among conditions which are undesirable traits or
genetic defects. Additionally, all foals born after January 1, 1998 will
require disclosure of HYPP status on registration paper certificates
which descend from any bloodline determined to carry the HYPP gene.
Care for HYPP horses requires a veterinarian's attention. If you suspect
your horse is positive an inexpensive blood test will be conclusive. In
most cases, HYPP can be treated through diet and medication, consult
your veterinarian.
This is just the basics of HYPP. For more information contact:
http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/hypp/hypp_facts.html
http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/hypp/hypp.html
http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/
http://www.aqha.com
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