HYPP (Hyperkalaemic Periodic Paralysis, SCN4A)

Veterinary care required

This condition belongs in veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Compounds are at most supportive.

Priority · vet & management

A gene test (SCN4A) to clarify the status and a deliberate breeding decision come first; affected horses belong under veterinary supervision. In management, a low-potassium, consistent feeding (no alfalfa/molasses excess, avoidance of large potassium peaks) is central — that is management of the trigger, not a cure.

Possible causes

• · autosomal-dominant point mutation in the SCN4A gene (disturbed sodium channel)
• · descent from the Quarter Horse line Impressive (also Paint/Appaloosa)
• · even heterozygous carriers (N/H) can be affected
• · triggers of episodes: potassium-rich feeding, abrupt feed/exercise changes, fasting, stress
• · homozygous (H/H) horses usually more severely affected

Supportive compounds · supplementary feed, not medication

Prevention

Consistent gene testing of breeding animals and avoidance of carrier-x-carrier matings prevent further affected foals.

Equiterna's take

Equiterna treats HYPP as a hereditary trait: the gene test and a potassium-aware feeding clearly come before any complementary feed — a predisposition is not a finding on the individual animal.