calcium/phosphorus imbalance, tail chewing, and colic

["guest@endurance.net" <guest@endurance.net>]

Karen Schrader rcuervo@prairieweb.com
Help!  I had to take my horse to the animal hospital this evening for what appeared to be a mild case of colic.  After examination, my vet thought it was metabolic as opposed to impaction related.  He is thinking we have a calcium/phosphorus imbalance.  My question is, how long will it take to right this imbalance (I've done my research and see where I need to alter his diet).  Is there any truth to the rumor that tail chewing is a sign of this imbalance?  We have had a HORRIBLE bout with tail chewing this spring.  In fact, none of our horses has a decent tail anymore.  Thanks for any suggestions, helpful hints, etc. that you can provide.