Hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis in homozygous and heterozygous horses: a co-dominant genetic condition.

Abstract

Historical, clinical and experimental data were collected from 9 horses homozygous for HYPP (H/H). All showed episodes of respiratory stertor, described as a rattling or honking sound, usually within the first week post partum. Five horses had one or more episodes of dysphagia, in 3 horses this was accompanied by drooling and in 3 by weight loss. In comparison, only one of 35 contemporaneous half siblings (of which approximately half would be expected to be of the H/N genotype and half N/N) was observed to have respiratory stertor prior to weaning and none had problems with dysphagia. One mature homozygous stallion was infertile secondary to urospermia. Six homozygous horses died or were subjected to euthanasia; 4 age less than a year, one age 20 months and one age 5 years. The remaining 3 cases were still alive at the end of the study. A comparison of homozygous and heterozygous horses using standardised potassium chloride challenge testing indicated that during attacks homozygotes showed significantly more frequent signs of drooling, prolapse of the third eyelid, respiratory stridor and weakness than heterozygous horses. Homozygotes also had significantly more total abnormalities (including myotonic discharges, high frequency repetitive discharges, and spontaneous activity) on electromyographic examination than heterozygotes. These data imply that HYPP is inherited as a codominant genetic defect, because the homozygotes showed more severe clinical signs of disease than heterozygotes. Homozygous foals would be expected to be produced in 25% of matings in which both parents are heterozygous. Owners and veterinarians should be aware of the risks of this mating.