Selenium deficiency and sweet feeds can both be
contributing factors to tying up, depending on the horse. I agree that the
selenium level is the likely place to start. I'd add, though, that what
recent work I've heard about would indicate that 200 ppb should be the
bottom end of normal, rather than the earlier reported numbers in the range you
mention. (I think we were looking at so many deficient horses earlier that
what was "thought" to be normal because it was prevalent was really mildly to
moderately deficient...)
If a problem persists, then sweet feed is a place
to look--as Susan so aptly stated, there is considerable variation from horse to
horse in their ability to deal with simple carbs. For some, it is just
fuel for work, and for others, it is a real roller coaster with some pretty
significant potential problems attached.
Maggie, check your horse's selenium level.
First thing I would do. Have fed my guys sweet feed for 30 years of this
sport. Tying up for old Charlie came from lack of selenium as well as
dehydration. Check it out. You should be on the high side of
180 for a distance horse. Ohio is low in selenium. I had my guys
on selenium supplement when I lived there and had no more problems.
Jeanie
