What Could Be Wrong With Him?

[Showjumper]

My friend's horse is unwell at the moment. His symptoms are lethargy, abnomal fat pockets along his neck and shoulders, pale gums and stiffness to the left hand side.

He has had the full blood works done 3 weeks which came back with an above average number of muscle enzymes (?) but otherwise fine. He doesn't seem laminitic, has been insulin tested etc and everything was in the normal range.

The vet suggested a Selenium supplement but he hasn't shown any improvement. His owner is worried and all I can think of is EPSM...any other thoughts?

[Skye94]

almost sounds like hes "tied up", but it may just be hes fat and knackered? a horse i knew got fed selenium when she tied up. selenium is basically to help digest proteins and nutrients so maybe hes not feelin 100%?

[Jessey]

Could be Azotoria (tied up) selenium and vitamin E help break down the enzymes and reduce the problem.
The fat lumps seem odd though, I would check all the grazing for unusual plants and try cutting out each type of feed he is on for a couple of weeks in turn in case he has developed an alergy to something.

[Lgd]

Sounds typical for EPSM as they can get holes in the muscle and look an odd shape.

Eliminate carbs from the diet as much as possible. Soak hay or haylage to cut the sugar content down. Plain alfalfa or Alfa-oil with some added oil (vege). Alternative is the Top-spec comprehensive and I think Saracen do an ERS feed which is also suitable for EPSMers. Starch content of any feed used needs to be 5% or less. Beware stuff that is flogged as being non-heating - the starch content can be frighteningly high e.g. HiFibre cubes is 10% starch :eek:

[Showjumper]

Thanks everyone - I'll pass the feeding info onto her Lesley! :)