Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Could Selanium poisonimg cause these symptoms in my horse?
QUESTION:
I have a Shire Stallion. I purchased him in April 2000 from Northern
California. He came to me with an abcess that within a month had lamed him
to the point of lying down all the time. I took him to Kansas State where it
was also found that he had a sequestrum. That was a $2000 operation on July
5, 2000. I have him home and it is slow getting the sole of his hoof to grow
back.
What brought the selenium question up was. I bought him in April and he has
NO new hoof growth. My farrier was here to trim all the other hoof growing
dang horses and this guy had NONE. I called K-State and described his very
thin tail and mane and poor hooves. The vet said it sounded like Selenium
Toxosis or Bob Tail disease and there is nothing that can be done. Could
you confirm this or recommend something. I read on Rural Heritage something
about Vitamin E could counter-act selenium. I can only find Vit. E with
selenium in it. Anyway, he is fed Strategy, some oil and brome hay. He is a
beautiful stallion and I don't want anything to happen to him. Also will
this harm his liver or anything else on him.
ANSWER:
Poor feed intake or nutrient balance will slow down hoof and hair growth as will
old age. Specific amino acid imbalances can, too. What is the total selenium in
the diet? (ppm, mg/d, or ?) Does this stuff you call Strategy have some? Do your
local feeds and water have excess Se?