During an HYPP episode, why are horses given oral sugar such as karo syrup?

During an HYPP episode, why are horses given oral sugar such as karo syrup?

• A. Increases potassium in blood
• B. Decreases muscle activity
• C. Shifts potassium intracellular
• D. Reduces insulin resistance

Answer: (C)

During an HYPP episode the weakness comes from very high potassium in the blood which disrupts muscle cell membrane excitability. Giving a quick source of sugar raises blood glucose, which prompts the body to release insulin. Insulin stimulates the Na+/K+ ATPase pump to move potassium from the bloodstream into cells. As extracellular potassium falls, muscle membranes regain normal resting potential and function, alleviating the paralysis. So the sugar isn’t directly fixing the muscles; it triggers insulin release that shifts potassium into cells, reducing the dangerous extracellular potassium.

During an HYPP episode the weakness comes from very high potassium in the blood which disrupts muscle cell membrane excitability. Giving a quick source of sugar raises blood glucose, which prompts the body to release insulin. Insulin stimulates the Na+/K+ ATPase pump to move potassium from the bloodstream into cells. As extracellular potassium falls, muscle membranes regain normal resting potential and function, alleviating the paralysis. So the sugar isn’t directly fixing the muscles; it triggers insulin release that shifts potassium into cells, reducing the dangerous extracellular potassium.