CHAPTER 39: MALNUTRITION AND NUTRITIONAL DISEASES
Introduction
Nutritional disease and malnutrition can be related to a deficiency in a particular nutrient or to the excessive intake of a nutrient. Occasionally dysfunction or disease can be caused by an imbalance in the of particular nutrients found in a horse’s diet. In the healthy, average horse nutritional deficiencies are considered rare. Horses with underlying pathological conditions or those performing endeavours at high levels require more resources and therefore are at higher risk of developing a nutritional deficiency. Nutritional excess or toxicity is also considered rare in the average, healthy horse however the addition of supplements to the diet make nutrient toxicity more likely.
Nutritional Deficiencies in the Horse
Calcium Deficiency
Calcium deficiency is seen most commonly in growing horses and
mares.
The clinical presentation of calcium deficiency includes hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, delayed blood clotting, osteoporosis, unexplained fractures in young horses, osteomalacia in mature horses and alternating limb lameness.
Diagnosis is made through serology and treatment includes the supplementation of calcium.
Phosphorus Deficiency
Phosphorus deficiency is seen in horses fed poor quality
with no grain or
other nutritional supplements.
The clinical presentation of phosphorus deficiency includes hypophosphatemia, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, pica and insidious shifting lameness. Diagnosis is made through serology and treatment includes the supplementation of phosphorous.
Salt (Sodium Chloride) Deficiency
Salt deficiency is seen in horses that perform intense exercise in hot and humid climates and in individuals who profusely.
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