Zinc Deficiency
Zinc deficiency is seen most commonly in foals.
The clinical presentation of zinc deficiency includes retarded growth, anorexia, alopecia, and ulcerated skin lesions on the lower limbs. Diagnosis is made through serology and treatment includes the oral supplementation of zinc sulphate.
Copper Deficiency
Copper deficiency is seen most commonly in geriatric horses or in growing horses. It is reported that mares experience copper deficiency more frequently than geldings or stallions. , improper cartilage formation in growing horses leading to developmental orthopaedic diseases (DOD’s) such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), and depigmentation of the skin. The clinical presentation of copper deficiency includes aortic aneurysm, Copper deficiency may also be linked to iron deficiency as copper and iron are absorbed from the intestine together. Diagnosis of copper deficiency is made through serology and treatment includes the administration of oral copper.
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine deficiency is seen primarily in foals, especially the foals of mares that were feed high iodine diets during pregnancy.
The clinical presentation of iodine deficiency includes
formation and
hypothyroidism.
Diagnosis can be made through serology showing depressed levels of circulating T4. Treatment included the oral supplementation with sodium iodide.
Selenium Deficiency
Selenium deficiency is seen in individuals fed feed that is grown in selenium deficient soils. Parts of Ontario are considered to be selenium deficient and animals in this geographic area should be supplemented with oral selenium.
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