When the soil is deficient in selenium, then the horse
doesn't get enough. I have my main distance horses checked every year for
selenium level as MI is very low in selenium. The harder one
works the horse, the higher the selenium level should be. Average runs
between 130 - 180. My vet tells me that Maggie's should be around 180 or a
tad higher. When her selenium level is low, then her hind end muscles get
tight and she tends to act like she is tied up although she isn't.
Very low selenium can also cause the back to be touchy,. Selenium level is
tested by taking blood. I supplement with selenium and vitamin E since
they go hand in hand. Maggie's level last year was 145 and my vet told me
to up the amount I was giving her. One can also get selenium and vitamin e
from the grain elevator. I did but it didn't do the job. I know of
other folks who do, and it works just fine. Check with your vet before you
do anything. Jeanie
