Selenium Deficiency in Sport Horses

Known because they are associated with syndromes or muscle myopathies azoturia in horses . Although horses are fed high-quality diets rarely suffer selenium deficiency unless it is known that this geographical area is poor in this element or that there is an imbalance in the diet.
When skeletal muscle is involved is property the presence of respiratory distress, prolonged decubitus , muscle pain and swelling with rigid movements (obviously these signs are increased as selenium deficiency in each case )
The diagnosis is based on symptoms and laboratory tests; increased MUSCLE ENZYMES  in blood and SELENIUM LEVELS  in blood of less than 140 Ug / L. ( see photos )
In photographs lab reports two cases are observed along the coast of Malaga who were consulted Serveq ; one belongs to a race horse and the other a horse Dressage high school, lab reports and selenium deficiency values ​​MUSCLE ENZYMES amentadas very appreciated. Both sport horses showed a marked decrease in athletic performance , with muscle aches and respiratory effort .
One week after the administration of injectable selenium  the diagnosis  was confirmed with a blood sampling  and Selenium in finding normal values in blood.
These two cases to be presented at SERVEQ was both sport horses were fed diets high in quality but low in selenium.
In this case consult your vet about the need to supplement with this nutrient. Avoid indiscriminate supplementation unless justified. Excess selenium in food when it is not needed can easily lead to poisoning which is associated with a no abundant mane and tail , and horizontal cracks in the hulls and laminitis.