Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Possible normokalemic variant of hyperkalemic periodic paralysis in two horses.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1993
- Authors:
- Stewart, R H et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this study, two horses were found to have a condition similar to hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HPP), which usually causes muscle twitching, severe muscle weakness, and high potassium levels in the blood. These horses experienced episodes of paralysis but did not show the expected high potassium levels during these episodes. This suggests that even if a horse has paralysis without high potassium, it can still be diagnosed with HPP. The findings indicate that this could be a different form of HPP.
Abstract
Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HPP), characterized by intermittent episodes of muscle fasciculations, profound muscle weakness, and hyperkalemia, has been described in Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, and Paints. In previous reports, the hallmark of this syndrome has been the development of hyperkalemia during each episode. Two affected horses had episodes of paralysis without associated hyperkalemia, demonstrating that normokalemia during an episode otherwise consistent with HPP does not eliminate HPP as a diagnosis. This clinical presentation appeared to be a variant of HPP.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8226220/