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HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Muscle & Tendon Diseases » HYPP, Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis »
  Discussion on HYPP-Confused about the best way to feed
Author Message

Posted on Saturday, Mar 31, 2001 - 2:31 am:

Hi, I have a 10 year old gelding who is HYPP P/N
and I have read your article and called every vet
around and have gotten all different answers as
what to feed my horse. He has never had an episode that anyone had seen. Is oats the best thing to feed for a cereal grain? Can I use Karo syrup for flavor or should I use beet pulp. Should I feed corn or corn oil. He does not appear skinny, but I am afraid that when I start riding him he will get very thin. Also, should I ad a supplement to his oats? I also heard that calcium carbonate should be given instead of white salt, because the kidneys then concentrate on flushing out the sodium and NOT the potassium??? Then I hear that his diet should not be changed if he does not have an attack. Also, I hear that a mineral block should not be used, so how about a top dressing supplement and which is the best? Up here in Minnesota I feel our hay and oats is not enough. Please help clear my confusion. I always hear how diet can greatly reduce attacks, but there is never any great and definite detail as to which feed stuffs are the best???? Thank you so very much.
Tonja

Posted on Saturday, Mar 31, 2001 - 7:48 am:

Hello Tonja,
My first recommendation, since you have never seen a episode and your horse is not skinny, is to do very little: Why change what is working now? The reason you get different answers from different folks is that there are a 1000 ways you could properly feed your horse. You need to decide on one, and I recommend it not be a lot different than what you are doing now.

In general it is best to reduce potassium intake. So look for a trace mineral salt without potassium. I don't believe most of them have it as potassium is readily available from feed. The rest of your questions on grains and forage are answered in the article, read it carefully.
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Mar 31, 2001 - 9:29 pm:

Thank you very much for the info. I will continue what I am doing now and just keep the potassium in check. That always made sense to me, but I was doubting myself and needed to hear it from an expert.
Thanks again,
Tonja

Posted on Thursday, Aug 9, 2001 - 1:43 pm:

HI Again! My HYPP NH horse is doing very good. He has a little stiffness setting in and I was wondering since Glucosomine Sulfate has a significant amount of Potassium in it, if I should not give it to him???
Thanks
Tonja

Posted on Monday, Aug 13, 2001 - 11:14 am:

Glucosamine sulfate does not have significant amounts of potassium unless it is added by the manufacturer, so check the label and if it is not listed it should be fine but you may want to call them to be sure.
DrO
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