End Genetic Horse Disease - HYPP

HYPP or Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis is a genetic disorder that affects both horses. It has, so far, been traced in horses back to a Quarter Horse ironically named "Impressive." The disorder causes horses that are affected to have muscle spazams, ranging in intensity from unnoticable to unable to stand. A horse may go a very long time, years in fact, without showing any symptoms, then suddenly deteriorate.

When tested for HYPP, there are three possible results: n/n (unaffected) n/h (affected) and h/h (affected, having inherited the h gene from both of the foal's parents. Because the h gene is dominant, a horse with the result n/h has as large a chance of being sick as a horse who receives a result of h/h. Horses who have the dual combination of the bad gene, however, tend to be sicker earlier. 50%, not 25%, of the offspring of a horse with the test result n/h will carry the h gene. The only way to eradicate this problem is to stop all breeding of all horses who possess the h gene. Period.

The Apaloosa Horse Club Of Canada is on the right track. Please follow their link to see what their plan is on this issue. Basiscally, they are already refusing registration to any affected horse that is not steralized. In 2002, they plan to deny registration to ANY horse that is affected. Also, at present, any horse applying for or already registered with the ApHCC must be tested at the request of the ApHCC and have the findings noted on the horse's certificate. This is the least we can ask for. I want disclosure. Breeders should have to tell potential clients about this disorder if they have a positive test result, and sellers should have to tell buyers.

The picture is of my beautiful little filly when she was one day old. Her test just came back positive.

I am not a vet, or any kind of expert. This is just my understanding of what I've read on the subject and my side of my own personal experience.