Generalized steatitis associated with selenium deficiency and normal vitamin E status in a foal

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Equine Medicine
• Nutritional Pathology

Background:

• A 7-month-old Quarter Horse foal presented with severe cachexia, emaciation, and weakness despite a good appetite.
• Clinical signs began approximately two months prior to examination.

Observation:

• Percutaneous biopsy revealed subcutaneous steatitis with mineralization.
• Radiography showed calcification of the nuchal ligament.
• Necropsy identified widespread mineralized lesions in fascial planes and adipose tissues, sparing muscular tissue.

Findings:

• Serum analysis indicated slightly low magnesium, copper, and thyroxine levels.
• Serum and renal selenium concentrations were significantly lower than normal, suggesting a deficiency.
• Histopathology confirmed steatitis and mineralization in various tissues.

Implications:

• Low dietary selenium intake is implicated as the primary cause of the observed pathology in this equine case.
• This case highlights the importance of adequate selenium levels in preventing nutritional myodegenerative and inflammatory conditions in horses.
• Further research into selenium requirements and supplementation protocols for young horses is warranted.