|
Vitamin E and selenium are essential nutrients for horses, playing a crucial role in muscle function, immune support, and overall well-being. However, in Northern California, many horses are at risk of deficiency due to regional soil conditions and limited access to lush green pastures.  The primary reason for selenium deficiency in Northern California horses is the naturally low selenium levels in the soil. This deficiency translates to pasture and hay grown in the region also lacking adequate selenium. Since horses rely heavily on forage as their primary source of nutrition, those not supplemented appropriately can develop a deficiency over time. Vitamin E deficiency is also common, particularly in horses that do not have access to fresh pasture. Vitamin E is abundant in green grass, but hay loses most of its vitamin E content during the drying and storage process. Horses deficient in vitamin E and selenium may exhibit: • Muscle weakness or stiffness • Poor performance and lethargy • Difficulty swallowing or abnormal tongue movement (in severe cases) • Muscle wasting • Neurological symptoms such as trembling, incoordination, or difficulty standing Testing and Diagnosis: If you suspect your horse may be deficient in either nutrient, Starwood can perform blood tests to measure vitamin E and selenium levels. It is recommended to test horses annually, especially those with limited pasture access, performance horses, broodmares, and growing foals. Horses showing clinical signs should be tested immediately to guide treatment decisions. Management and Supplementation: • Selenium Supplementation: Selenium should be supplemented carefully, as excessive levels can be toxic. Commercial feeds, ration balancers, and selenium-enriched mineral supplements can help meet requirements. Always consult your veterinarian before adding selenium to your horse’s diet. • Vitamin E Supplementation: For horses with limited access to fresh pasture, vitamin E supplementation is highly recommended. Natural-source vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) is more bioavailable than synthetic forms and is often preferred for supplementation.  Horse owners in Northern California should be proactive in preventing vitamin E and selenium deficiencies. Regular blood testing, appropriate supplementation, and a well-balanced diet can help ensure that your horse remains healthy, strong, and ready for work or competition. By staying informed and taking action, you can help safeguard your horse from the risks associated with these common nutrient deficiencies.
A Starwood veterinarian will be able to help determine your horse's individual risk and whether testing and supplementation are recommended.
0 Comments
You may have heard about Equine Cushing’s Disease (more specifically, Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction, PPID) or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), but what are they exactly, and how will they affect your horse if diagnosed? The following is an introduction to these two conditions. Equine Cushing’s DiseasePPID is the most common endocrine disorder in equines. It most often affects older horses but has been observed in some younger than ten years of age. In cases of PPID, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland fail to communicate appropriately. This failure of typical communication results in the pituitary gland becoming hyperactive, producing various hormones circulating through the body abnormally.  The pituitary hormone routinely measured for diagnosis of PPID is adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Depending on the time of year, sometimes ACTH levels are measured after a small dose of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) that will stimulate the abnormal pituitary cells to secrete more ACTH. TRH Stimulation tests are useful in diagnosing the disease in the early stages. Elevated levels of various hormones in a PPID horse can cause many changes, some visible, some not, and can vary in severity in each horse. Some of these changes include: - Poor performance or lethargy - Changes in coat: long or wavy hair, failure to shed hair fully each spring - Hoof inflammation (laminitis), sometimes with associated hoof abscesses - Propensity to infections or delayed healing - Loss of muscle mass typically noticed over the back and hindquarters, as well as a “pot-bellied” appearance - Excess or inappropriate sweating - Increased water intake and urination - Infertility or abnormal heat cycles in mares While PPID is not curable, both medical and daily management changes can reduce the condition’s signs and symptoms. The most appropriate medication is pergolide, a dopamine receptor agonist. It helps decrease some of the hormone production by the pituitary gland. Other essential components of PPID management are the maintenance of excellent husbandry and general health care. Close attention to nutrition, vaccination, deworming, medical treatment, and horses’ hoof care is recommended. Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)EMS is characterized by insulin dysregulation and resistance. Causes of EMS onset include genetics, diet, environment, and, sometimes, coexisting PPID. Breed predispositions to EMS include many pony and mini breeds, Saddlebreds, Morgans, and Paso finos. Horses may be an “easy keeper,” not seemingly requiring as much feed as their friends. Diet can also play a role, including a high-sugar-content diet or suddenly increased access to lush, fresh grass. Clinically, these horses may appear overweight and most commonly show “regional adiposity,” Fat deposition occurs at the neck, shoulder, and above the tail head. Because of the increased circulating insulin levels, EMS horses are also at increased risk for foot soreness and laminitis, which can be extremely painful and devastating to the horse if not addressed. Testing involves a thorough physical exam and blood tests to ascertain insulin levels and glucose, leptin, and thyroid levels. Starwood submits its bloodwork for PPID and EMS to Cornell, leading researchers in the field who have developed a comprehensive panel to diagnose both conditions. The mainstay of treatment for EMS is nutritional management and weight loss. If diagnosed, your veterinarian may recommend transitioning hay and grain sources to brands with lower starch content. Sometimes, your veterinarian may also recommend medications to accelerate weight loss and sensitize the body to insulin again. Exercise is also essential to promote weight loss as long as the horse remains comfortable on its feet. If your horse is also diagnosed with PPID, treatment with pergolide may improve the signs of EMS. Early recognition of these conditions and regular veterinary care is critical for a good quality of life. If you wish for further information about either of these conditions or are interested in getting your horse tested, please contact Starwood Equine. |
Topics
All
Archives
March 2025
|
RSS Feed
Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2019 Starwood Equine Veterinary Services, Inc. All rights reserved.