Low calcium levels, what causes it?

[haras]

My friends horse has been diagnosed as having low calcium levels and is in horspital because of it, but my question is what causes it? and how serious is it?

thanks

 

[xnaughtybutnicex]

It could be from the diet, having high phoshorus(sp) and low calcium in the diet. It can be from feeding alot of cereals or from feeding too much bran. If it isn't the diet I'm not really sure of the cause.

 

[skewbaldpony]

Agree, calcium and phosphorus ratio likely cause.
Good article here
http://www.shady-acres.com/susan/Calcium-Phosphorus.shtml

 

[kellyeaton]

to get calcium back in to him the good way is lime stone flour! the problem with low levels of it is the bones will be weaker so more prone to bone and joint problems!