Selenosis

Despite more than six decades of research, some aspects of the natural history of selenosis remain confused in modern texts. The primary targets of acute Se toxicity in food animal species are the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and possibly hematopoietic systems. Swine may develop neurologic lesions; however, the signs of poliomyelomalacia are quite distinct from those described as "blind staggers" by early workers. The most characteristic signs of chronic selenosis are hair and hoof loss; however, other, less specific, damage to the immune system and reproduction are economically more important. Given the numerous interactions of chronic Se with other dietary factors, it is very important to examine the whole environment when dealing with a potential selenosis case.