Generalized steatitis associated with selenium deficiency and normal vitamin E status in a foal.

This research describes a case where a 7-month-old male Quarter Horse suffered from generalized steatitis due to selenium deficiency, characterized by severe weight loss, weakness, and mineralized lesions in various parts of the body, despite maintaining a good appetite.

Study Introduction and Case Presentation

• The study focuses on a health issue observed in a young male Quarter Horse who was severely underweight and weak. This condition had started manifesting around two months prior to the examination.
• Despite maintaining a good appetite, the horse continued to lose weight and demonstrate weakness, which prompted the researchers to undertake a detailed examination and diagnosis.

Diagnostics and Observations

• Investigations, including a percutaneous biopsy, revealed numerous instances of subcutaneous steatitis accompanied by mineralization. Radiography also showed evidence of calcification in the nuchal ligament, which is a structure connecting the back of the horse’s skull to its vertebrae.
• The horse unfortunately passed away nine days after admission, and a post-mortem examination was conducted. The necropsy revealed that there were mineralized lesions scattered throughout the fascial planes and adipose tissues in the animal’s thorax, abdomen and skeletal muscles. However, there appeared to be little to no involvement of the muscular tissue itself.
• Blood tests showed that serum magnesium, copper, and thyroxine concentrations were slightly below normal. However, the most significant finding was an unusually low concentration of selenium in the serum. Further testing revealed low concentrations of selenium in the kidney as well, significantly lower than in normal horses used as control subjects.

Conclusion of the Study

• Given the findings, the researchers concluded that the observed steatitis and related issues were likely caused by a low intake of selenium in the horse’s diet. This case study hence suggests that selenium deficiency can cause severe health problems in horses, including generalized steatitis, and thus underscores the importance of a balanced diet for animals.