Did you know that the Quarter Horse breed carries some inherited genetic diseases?
These diseases are transmitted through breeding and can cause muscular, skin, or metabolic disorders, affecting performance, health, and, in severe cases, resulting in euthanasia.
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and ABQM require testing for five major diseases frequently screened for by the Five-Panel (an essential genetic test in Quarter Horses) required by ABQM for stallions that performed breedings after 07/01/2020: HYPP, HERDA, PSSM1, GBED, and MH.
HYPP (Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis): An autosomal dominant muscular disorder that causes tremors and weakness, linked to the stallion Impressive.
HERDA (Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia): An autosomal recessive disease that causes extreme skin fragility, leading to wounds and detachment, usually fatal.
PSSM1 (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy): A muscle disease that causes glycogen buildup in the muscles, resulting in weakness and pain.
GBED (Glycogen Storage Disease): An enzyme deficiency that prevents the correct storage of glycogen, being fatal for foals.
MH (Malignant Hyperthermia): A severe muscle disease triggered by anesthetics or stress.