5 Panel Plus

Did you know that there is a genetic disease panel specifically for Quarter Horses? 

Commonly called the 5-panel test, this test includes 5 diseases with a genetic origin that is found in Quarter Horses. More recently, a 6th test was added, so you may hear it referred to as the 5 panel-plus. 

• Glycogen Branching Enzyme Deficiency (GBED): a fatal genetic disorder that affects sugar storage in muscles.

• Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia (HERDA):  skin condition with hyperextensible skin, scarring, and severe lesions. 

• Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP): a genetic muscle disease that causes episodes of muscle tremors or paralysis.

• Myosin-heavy chain myopathy (MYHM): a muscle disease that causes immune-mediated myositis (IMM) and non-exertional rhabdomyolysis. These horses have tying up and muscle wasting. 

• Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a condition where the horses respond to certain medications with high fevers and other serious reactions. 

• Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM1): a disorder of sugar storage in muscle cells which can lead to muscle pain, weakness, and reluctance to move.

The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) has been proactive concerning genetic testing and education. Before offspring are registered, the stallions are required to have a Genetic Health Panel on file. This makes it possible for people to use this information to make informed breeding decisions. That is only half of the equation though! If you are considering breeding, make sure to test your mare as well! For more information, check out the new AQHA educational website. https://www.aqha.com/genetics

These tests are also relevant for other related breeds including Paints, Appaloosas, and Quarter horse crosses. Pictured above is the horse Impressive, a very popular halter horse stallion that was later discovered to have passed on HYPP to his foals.