The clinical presentation of salt deficiency includes exercise intolerance, anhydrosis, muscle spasm, dehydration, hypovolemia, acidosis, anorexia, pica, muscle weakness, weight loss, retarded growth and may lead to colic or tying up. Diagnosis is made through serology and treatment includes the free access to a sodium chloride salt lick or the supplementation of sodium chloride.
Potassium Deficiency
There are no known causes or predispositions for potassium deficiency in the horse.
The clinical presentation of potassium deficiency includes retarded growth in young horses, anorexia, hypokalemia muscle weakness, lethargy, poor condition and tying up. Diagnosis is made through serology and treatment includes the supplementation of potassium chloride.
Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency is most common in
.
The clinical presentation of magnesium deficiency includes hypomagnesemia, nervousness, muscle tremors, ataxia, collapse, hyperpnea, sweating, convulsive paddling and death. Diagnosis is made through serology and treatment includes the IV administration of electrolyte soloution and the oral supplementation with magnesium sulphate.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiencies are seen in horses that are anemic, infested with internal parasites or those experiencing chronic , gastric ulcers, colitis or have had colic surgery. The clinical presentation of iron deficiency includes anemia, hypohaemoglobinemia, exercise intolerance, hypoxia, fatigue, pale mucous membranes and cyanosis. Diagnosis can be made through serology and blood analysis and treatment includes the administration of heme iron polypeptide (HIP) IM or the oral supplementation of ferrous sulphate.
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