ARTICLES
COLIC!
CLEANING THE SHEATH
SELENIUM SUPPLEMENTS
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Most of you have at least heard of Selenium. Many of you probably
have been advised to supplement your horse's diet with a Vitamin E & Selenium
compound. But, what IS Selenium? Why is it recommended with Vitamin E? What do each of
them have to do with my horse? How do I know if my horse really does need Selenium? All
these questions are good questions and quite legitimate. Of course, being responsible
horsemen we want to know exactly what is going on with our horses. And well we should. The
following is a brief description to answer these questions. It is not for the purpose of
diagnosing or recommending that anyone should go right out and buy a Selenium and Vit. E
supplement. It is merely for information. If you are concerned about if your horse might
be needing this added to his or her diet, your best source of recommendations should be
from your vet who is familiar with your horse and it's physical needs.
Selenium is a trace nutrient. Trace nutrients are nutrients which are required in just
small amounts. It is in minute amounts nearly all over the country in a wide variety of
rocks, minerals, volcanic earth, soil, plant and water. However, parts of the country have
very low selenium counts. New England is one area where we are selenium deficient in our
soil therefore the forage plants and crops raised here are too low to meet animal
requirements. In comparison, there are areas in the Midwest and west that are not only
sufficient but have more selenium than animals can safely handle. It is there that many
livestock animals are poisoned from selenium toxicity. Those areas which are more humid
and have more acidic soil are the areas which are most likely to be deficient in selenium
content in the plants.
What is selenium good for? Selenium in a major antioxidant which protects healthy cell
membranes and prevents free radical generation. In humans, it have been shown that
increased selenium intake helps to decrease the risk of breast, colon, lung and prostate
cancer as well as helps to preserve tissue elasticity, slows the aging and hardening of
tissues through oxidation and helps in the treatment and prevention of dandruff. It also
is increasingly clear that Selenium also is an immuno-stimulant, is an anti-inflammatory
and helps with arthritis. On the other hand, it can be deadly in even minute amounts.
Horses normally take in selenium through grazing selenium sufficient forages. In those
areas of the country where selenium is not sufficient, many feed companies add the trace
mineral to their "complete" feeds. Selenium works in conjunction with Vitamin E.
Therefore, most supplements are comprised of the two ingredients together.
Selenium deficiency is found to be a factor in 'Tying-up" syndrome as well as the
cause of White Muscle Disease in foals. Affected foals often die of starvation because
they are too weak to suckle. The tongue and pharyngeal muscles weaken. In the acute stage,
foals will have stiff and swollen muscles and have difficulty standing up. It has been
reported that even very limited amounts of selenium fed to the mare will cross the
placenta barrier and increase the blood levels in foals.
Chronic Selenium toxicity can result in the loss of mane and tails, the sloughing of
hooves and will eventually cause death. Acute toxicity has resulted in blindness,
respiratory failure and death. This is what is known as "blind staggers".
A simple blood test can detect any selenium deficiency. If your horse is found to have
such a deficiency, there are many sources for supplementation. The important thing is to
provide a consistent source. The best source recommended by many veterinarians and experts
are the Trace-Mineral Salt Blocks which the horse can access freely. This should be
thoroughly discussed, however, with your veterinarian to decide which would be the best
source of selenium for your horse.
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