How Accurate Is the DNA Blood Test for HYPP?
The test is accurate and reliable based upon research studies. The presence of the genetic mutation has been found to be associated with the disease. In a prior publication (Nature Genetics 1992, Volume 2, p.144-147), we reported upon our testing of 51 related horses which were diagnosed with HYPP based upon documented episodes of muscle fasciculations or paralysis not induced by exercise. All 51 horses were positive (for the sodium channel mutation) using this test. An equal number of related horses which were determined to be normal (based upon potassium challenge and /or free clinical signs of muscle disease) were negative for the gene mutation. We also tested 130 horses from 5 different breeds to determine if the mutation could be found with any frequency in the general horse population. The only horses to date which have shown the mutation have been descendants of “Impressive” but, theoretically, other mutations may exist for which we now have the tools to start looking. The test
