The test for IMM is progressing fast. IMM is auto-immune muscle loss triggered by an infection or immunisation, and horses with this gene are more likely to have an episode. Unless we hit some road bumps our IMM test should be available around the end of this week.

Given that the IMM gene is not uncommon in QHs, we are thinking of using this as an opportunity to reconsider what should be in the panel of QH tests.

The QH disorder panel traditionally had five tests, which is why it is called the 5-panel. These tests are PSSM1, HERDA, GBED, MH and HYPP. Of the five, three are still quite common and are definitely worth testing for: these are PSSM1, HERDA and GBED. The other two – MH and HYPP – have become extremely rare.

More recently owners have asked for frame overo to be included, making the panel a 6-panel.

More recently still, testing for IMM has become a possibility.

The vast majority of owners would get far more benefit from a panel of PSSM1, HERDA, GBED, IMM and frame overo than the traditional panel with MH and HYPP. We will always have MH and HYPP tests available as standalone tests for the rare cases where these disorders could be present, and for those who want to test for everything. What do owners of QHs, Paints, Appaloosas, Quarter Ponies and other affected breeds think? Should we update this panel?

UPDATED: Since this was first posted the panels have been updated. View the new 7 panel test including IMM here