Hyperkalemic Paralysis Case Study

This paper will discuss the management practices that can be implicated to help control the severity of Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis in affected horses. Because of the debilitating effects that this condition has, it is important to examine the ways that this disorder can be controlled. Low potassium diets, regular turnout, and a constant schedule have been shown to effectively manage the condition of Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis. The role of potassium in action potentials, as well as in muscular contraction, is reviewed. Also investigated is the ideal way to feed a horse affected with this condition. In recent years, a new condition in the performance horse industry has surfaced which is affecting the athletic ability of these equines. This ailment is caused by a genetic defect in the muscle of horses which impacts the normal function of muscle fiber. Due to the affect that this disorder has on muscle, it is understandable that the industry would be concerned about its effect on equine athletes. This defect is termed Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis, otherwise commonly known as HYPP. This muscle disorder is only evident in horses that are descended from the renowned …show more content…
Microbes in the cecum assist in the breakdown of remaining material, which then release any nutrients which might have persisted in the digested feedstuff (20, 21). Water-soluble nutrients get passively absorbed to a substantial degree in the cecum of the horse (20, 21). Along with the cecum, where a majority of water in the digestive tract gets absorbed, the large colon also absorbs remaining moisture (20, 21). A small degree of nutrient absorption, as well as microbial activity, takes place in the large colon (20, 21). It is in the small colon where any remaining water is resorbed, and feces is formed which will then be expelled through the rectum (20,