What are the symptoms of selenium deficiency in horses?
I have been having really strange symptoms for a few weeks now.
I noticed a small spot one of my horses eye that was growing over the past week and is now red and scaly. She also had some mild diarrhea but that seems to have cleared up. However, this morning I noticed her looking at me with both eyes, one in each eye. They are completely dilated. Also she has been standing quietly, not running around. Yesterday I had a strange rash on her lower back/rump area. I don't know if it's selenium deficiency or not but her vet said she is not having any kidney issues. He also said it was more than likely selenium but could be anything from a vitamin B-12 deficiency to a thyroid problem. I'm worried because she doesn't seem to be moving around well. Any ideas as to what it could be? Thanks
First of all, you may be surprised to know that many vets are very familiar with selenium and recognize the signs of selenium deficiency. You don't have to look any further than the veterinary board to find out. I am not sure why you would look to the vet's for answers. I agree with Dr. X that perhaps your horse does not have a true deficiency; he may just be showing signs of anemia due to poor management. Perhaps this is what is causing his dilated eyes.
Are you feeding her any special supplements? Do you feed any vitamin B-12 supplements? Do you feed any products containing selenium? Do you know which brands of hay your horse is consuming? The only things I can think of are that maybe you might want to reevaluate some of your feeding practices and start making changes so that your horse is not getting so much junk food. I've known many horses that were fed only "kibble" and no hay and they were fine.
Hi again, I talked to my vet and he said that the selenium is in the Vitamin B complex, but he is not sure if she is taking it correctly. I don't feed any supplemental selenium at all. I do feed a supplement of iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. I will definitely be working on changing some of my feeding practices and have a better idea of what is going on. Thanks for all your help!
Thank you so much for the comments.
What is the normal range for selenium in horses?
The human reference values for selenium are based on the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies. The RDA is a dietary intake level that is estimated to meet the nutrient requirement of 99-100% of the U. Population. The selenium RDA is 55 micrograms per day for men and 50 micrograms per day for women. In addition, pregnant and lactating women have higher intakes.
There are no available reference values for horses. The only available reference value for selenium in horses is from a study done in the early 1990s. The study showed that horses fed a diet that contained 0.4 mg selenium per kilogram of feed had selenium concentrations of about 1.0 g/g in blood plasma and about 2.0 g/g in red blood cells.
The authors of that study recommend that horses be fed a diet that contains 3 mg selenium per kilogram of feed, which is double the RDThat amount of selenium is also higher than most commercial diets. References: Selenium Requirements for Horses and Other Animals: A Compilation of Data for Humans and Other Animals. Committee on Nutrition. National Research Council. National Academy Press, Washington, D.: 1980.
Eisenstein, M., et al. Dietary Requirements for Selenium in Horses. J. Am. Vet. Assoc. 1994; 215: 1369-1374. Selenium requirements for horses and other animals. 1997; 210: 1479-1487.
What are the ingredients in Mega Sel?
Mega Sel contains high levels of zinc, calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium.
These vitamins and minerals are well absorbed from the diet, helping to promote good bone growth, cell structure and tissue repair.
The main ingredient in Mega Sel is Kelp, which is also called Seaweed and is an important source of calcium, magnesium, iodine, iron and vitamins B and C. Kelp is a natural source of mineral and vitamin content, containing high levels of calcium, magnesium, iron and other minerals. The minerals that make up Mega Sel are: Magnesium. Zinc. Calcium. Sodium. Potassium. Vitamin B12. Vitamin D. There are no artificial additives, flavourings or colours. What are the benefits of Mega Sel? Mega Sel helps to improve bone density and calcium content. Mega Sel may help to increase calcium levels in bones, which will improve bone strength and help prevent osteoporosis. Calcium is a vital element in your body, it's what makes up the teeth, hair and nails.
When it comes to calcium, the more you have, the stronger your bones. You can also try taking calcium supplements, but there are many other factors that can contribute to your overall health.
The minerals found in Mega Sel are well absorbed by the body, which makes them an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D. Mega Sel contains high levels of calcium, which may beneficial for strengthening your bones. It's important to note that calcium is only one of several important nutrients that are required for bone health, including vitamin D and magnesium.
Mega Sel contains high levels of magnesium, which is essential for a strong immune system and for stabilising nerve transmissions. Magnesium has been shown to reduce stress levels, improve sleep patterns, and supports your energy levels.
You can boost your magnesium intake from the foods you eat, but it's also important to take a daily supplement. The other minerals found in Mega Sel are sodium, potassium and zinc. Sodium is an important part of your body's electrolytes, and it helps to regulate fluid balance and blood pressure. Sodium can be found in table salt and other processed foods, but it's also a vital part of your diet.
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