[Myopathies in a riding horse stable].

The research article presents a case report on myopathies observed in 6 saddle-horses, hypothesizing it is due to a combined deficiency of dietary vitamins E and selenium. Other possible causes, such as overconsumption of energy or ionophore intoxication, were ruled out based on calculated energy supply and color testing.

Identification of myopathies and ruling out probable causes

• Researchers identified myopathies, muscle diseases, in six saddle-horses in a riding stable.
• The initial suspicion was towards a deficiency in dietary vitamin E and selenium, which are essential for overall equine health.
• Other potential causes such as exertional myopathy (also known as “Monday morning disease”) due to excessive energy intake and ionophore intoxication were also considered.
• By calculating the energy supply consumed by the horses and carrying out a color test, the researchers were able to eliminate the possibilities of excess energy intake or ionophore intoxication as the cause of the myopathies.

Selenium and Vitamin E Requirements for Horses

• The researchers reference the estimated selenium requirement of horses as being between 0.1-0.2 mg/kg of dry matter.
• If the natural feed of horses is deficient in selenium, it can be supplemented through additional feeds, sodium selenite, or bruised linseed.
• One important note made here is about the dietary tolerance of horses towards selenium. The lethal dose of selenium, after oral administration, was identified as 3.3 mg/kg bodyweight. Therefore, the concentration of selenium in horse feed should not exceed 5 mg/kg of dry matter.
• The intake of vitamin E for horses should be within the range of 0.25-1 mg/kg bodyweight, this varies based on dietary components and the horse’s performance. It is also noted that the requirement is higher for foals, pregnant or lactating mares, and racing horses.

Treatment and management of disease

• In situations of acute disease resulting from selenium and vitamin E deficiencies, these vital nutrients can be provided parenterally (injected directly into body tissues).
• Sodium selenite can also be added to the diet orally for supplementation.
• The researchers indicate that simultaneous symptomatic treatment is essential for managing myopathies in horses and ensuring their wellbeing.