What is HYPP?
Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) is a muscular disease that affects both horses and humans. It is caused by a hereditary genetic mutation that disrupts a protein called a sodium ion channel, a tiny gateway in the membrane of muscle cells. The mutation affects the channel’s normal opening and closing, such that uncontrolled sodium influxes occur. These influxes in turn change the voltage potential of muscle cells, causing uncontrolled muscle twitching or profound muscle weakness. High levels of potassium in the blood usually are present when the disruptions in the ion channel occur. What are effects of HYPP? Horses with HYPP can experience unpredictable attacks of paralysis which, in severe cases, can lead to collapse and sudden death. The cause of death usually is cardiac arrest and/or respiratory failure. The disease is characterized by intermittent episodes of muscle tremors manifested by generalized or localized shaking, trembling and weakness. Occasionally, episodes are accom
