Selenium deficiency also causes birth defects in
cattle, so I would assume it may have similar effects on horses. My father had a
calf born from a SE deficient cow. He couldn't straighten his front legs, or
bend the fetlocks of his hind legs. Cute little guy, though. Dad kept him
pampered in a padded stall until he was big enough to eat. Sold the cow to a
dairy.
When the soil is deficient in selenium, then the horse
doesn't get enough. I have my main distance horses checked every year
for selenium level as MI is very low in selenium. The harder
one works the horse, the higher the selenium level should be. Average
runs between 130 - 180. My vet tells me that Maggie's should be around
180 or a tad higher. When her selenium level is low, then her hind end
muscles get tight and she tends to act like she is tied up although she
isn't. Very low selenium can also cause the back to be touchy,.
Selenium level is tested by taking blood. I supplement with selenium and
vitamin E since they go hand in hand. Maggie's level last year was 145
and my vet told me to up the amount I was giving her. One can also get
selenium and vitamin e from the grain elevator. I did but it didn't do
the job. I know of other folks who do, and it works just fine.
Check with your vet before you do anything.
Jeanie
