[Hypocalcemia in the horse. A case report]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Equine Health
• Animal Physiology

Background:

• Hypocalcemia, a condition of low blood calcium, is recognized in horses, with symptoms differing from those in cows with hypocalcemic agalactia.
• Previous reports highlight key clinical signs in horses, necessitating further investigation into causative factors and treatment efficacy.

Observation:

• Horses exhibit symptoms like anxiety, increased muscle tension, ataxia, and Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter.
• The onset of hypocalcemia symptoms in horses is more variable than in cows and occurs in foals and geldings.
• A concurrent decrease in blood manganese levels is observed in hypocalcemic horses.

Findings:

• Treatment with calcium borogluconate is effective but often requires repeated administration due to variable patient response.
• A high calcium dose (17 mg Ca/kg) resulted in a subnormal blood calcium level in one patient, indicating potential challenges in treatment.
• Identified triggers include estrus, foal weaning, stress, and strenuous exercise, suggesting a significant role for mental stress.

Implications:

• Effective treatment of triggering factors, such as stress and intense work, is essential for managing hypocalcemia in horses.
• Optimizing feed rations to match workload and milk production is critical for preventing hypocalcemia in equine health.
• Further research into the unique aspects of equine hypocalcemia, including manganese levels and varied triggers, is warranted.