What to Feed a Horse with HYPP

HYPP, Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis, is a genetic disorder found in some Quarter Horses who have the stallion, Impressive, on their pedigree. Affected horses are unable to regulate certain electrolytes, causing an electrolyte imbalance that can lead to impaired nerve function, muscle tremors and paralysis. HYPP horses can be maintained with special attention to their diet.

  1. HYPP Symptoms

    • Weakness in the hindquarters, trembling, abnormal perspiration, unusual appearance of the third eyelid, abnormal whinnying and collapse are among the signs of an HYPP attack, according to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Attacks can be mild to severe. Death can occur if the potassium levels spike. Symptoms can appear when the horse is at rest, at work or during rest periods immediately following work.

    Feeding the HYPP Horse

    • Proper diet is the most effective tool for HYPP management, according to Alliance Equine. This means you have to know how much potassium is in all the food a horse is given to ensure the dietary level remains below 1.1 percent and 33 g per meal. That's not easy to do, so consult your vet. Then look at feed bag labels and check potassium levels. Use low and medium potassium feed. Minimize the use of sweet feed. It's a good idea to use vegetable oil as an energy source for an HYPP horse, but avoid electrolyte supplements that contain large amounts of potassium. Use supplements of vitamin E, salt, selenium and other balanced minerals that contain no added potassium. The largest source of potassium in a horse's diet is hay, according to Understanding Horse Nutrition. Grass hays tend to have less potassium than alfalfa, depending on where the hay was gown, when it was cut and harvest conditions. HYPP horse hay should be tested for potassium content. Bermudagrass and prairie hays are good forage options. Cereal grains can be used to decrease potassium in the diet; however, analyze commercial feed that contains molasses, soybean meal or dehydrated alfalfa because they can contain large amounts of potassium. By managing your HYPP horse's diet, you help your horse manage HYPP.

    Beyond Feed

    • HYPP horses benefit from small, frequent and evenly-spaced grain meals, at least three a day. Like all horses, they should be turned out and allowed to graze, but HYPP horses need low-potassium pasture. It's important for HYPP horses to get as much exercise as possible. As with every horse, turnout with good shelter is a better housing option for the HYPP horse than confinement to a stall. HYPP horses should avoid sudden exposure to extreme heat or cold.

      The only way to eliminate HYPP is not to breed horses that carry the HYPP gene. This can be ensured by having Impressive-bred horses genetically tested for the gene.