Selenium

Selenium Serum (clotted blood)

An essential component of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase and generally the
two analytes are tested together as indicators of selenium status. Mature horses require
approximately 2-3 micrograms per kg bodymass daily, or about 0.1 mg per kg of feed.
Manifestation of deficiency may be affected by vitamin E status and white muscle disease in
foals and young horses may be associated with deficiency of selenium and/or vitamin E.
Toxicity may result when dietary intake exceeds 2 mg/kg of feed. Acute toxicity (blind
staggers) may cause blindness, head-pressing, colic and diarrhoea, whereas chronic toxicity
(alkali disease) causes hair loss, especially of the mane and tail, and abnormal hoof growth
and cracks.

See also
Glutathione peroxidase