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Malignant hyperthermia (MH)
Summary
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is one of the 5 tests in the 5-panel. The 5-panel is relevant to Quarter Horses, Paints, Appaloosas, Quarter Ponies and any other breeds with some Quarter Horse bloodlines.
Malignant hyperthermia is overheating, rather than hypothermia which is getting too cold. It happens when muscle cells leak calcium under anaesthetic, triggering a rapid increase in body temperature, high heartrate and other problems. Left untreated, malignant hyperthermia can be lethal. Malignant hyperthermia in horses is rare, and is only caused by the use of halothane (inhaled) anaesthetics.
If your horse tests positive for the MH gene, inform your veterinarian. They will need to know before undertaking surgery or other treatments that require anaesthesia.
Gene or region and technical reference
Gene: RyR1 (causative). Reference: Aleman et al. (2004)
Nieto and Aleman. (2009)
Reported alleles
n. Test developed using manufactured DNA, animal controls.
MH. Test developed using manufactured DNA.
Panels: groups of tests that are often ordered together
This test is in the QH health panel.
This test is in the QH health & colour panel.
