Magnesium deficiency to cause sluggishness?

[Bea332]

I posted on here not long ago about my pony feeling a bit sluggish and not really wanting to go up into canter in the school, showing no signs of lameness/pulses etc and that this sort of thing is a reoccurring thing in the summer.

I got a few answers that I have taken on board but something someone I know said to me is that it may be magnesium deficiency. I always thought (and having read on it as well) that magnesium deficiency is essentially what makes them fresh/spooky when they're on spring grass.

So is it likely to be that or is she/am I barking up the wrong tree?

 

[Orangehorse]

As you thought, magnesium deficiency makes them spooky. All farmers in the country who turn out stock on spring grass will feed extra magnesium because a shortage can lead to problems, including cattle going beserk (has been witnessed).

What about selinium? Or contact Global Herbs and maybe give the pony their tonic, which is a course of about 1 month I think.

 

[Bea332]

Having done a bit of research, I'm a bit worried about supplementing selinium in case he doesn't need it!

 

[IrishMilo]

Have you done a test/are you treating as PSSM? https://www.animalgenetics.eu/Equine/Genetic_Disease/PSSM.asp

 

[Bea332]

I haven't, but reading up about it and the symptoms, I believe that he could have this. But would probably need a bit more advice as googling it is a minefield!

 

[PapaverFollis]

Doing the test for PSSM1 is a good starting point if the symptoms are a bit vague. Just involves pulling hairs and sending them off.

It might be worth getting the vet out to take full bloods, including muscle enzymes, just to do a thorough check. And it might also be a good idea to do a forage analysis on your grass to see what you've actually got in there.

 

[Bea332]

Yeah I was thinking that the PSSM test is a good way to start and it's cheaper than trying 908093 other things. At least it'll rule it out or rule it in. What are people's views on managing PSSM? I know that it can't be treated but can be managed.

He's been at 3 yards in the last 4 years with a different hay supplier and even haylege at the previous place and he's done it every year. But I will definitely look into forage analysis.

What's the general cost of that and full bloods from the vet? Obviously know it varies from place to place!

 

[Dexter]

PSSM 1 test is £30

 

[tatty_v]

My boy goes the other way and gets very lethargic in the winter. Part of it is age and also he’s always been a summer boy, loving the warmth of the sun and being able to go for a good canter on grass not mud!

This year my OH (vet) ran bloods and recommended haemo tonic and a low cal balancer. That combo definitely gave him a bit of zing back x

 

[Kat]

Lethargy in spring could be low grade laminitis causing a reluctance to move.

 

[Bea332]

PSSM 1 test is £30

I know - I didn't ask for the price of the PSSM1 test. Thanks

 

[Bea332]

Lethargy in spring could be low grade laminitis causing a reluctance to move.

I did think this but he's not got digital pulses or a cresty neck or any of the other signs

 

[PurBee]

Magnesium is essential for activating/making/synthesising ATP energy molecules, which are the primary energy molecules the body uses in all mammals, for cellular/muscular function.

Therefore magnesium deficiency can show as lethargy/sluggishness/fatigue, and spookiness as the sympathetic nervous system is activated, while magnesium triggers para-sympathetic ‘calm’ nervous system branch.

Some people find their horses are ‘sharper’ when on magnesium supplementation, due to the horse now having more energy to actually use.
Start low dose - around 3-5g...see how he goes.


Grass/hay/haylage magnesium levels in comparison to other mineral levels, are always low. You’ll have grams of iron per kilo, while magnesium is often around 50mg = nothing.
For all fat/sluggish/fatigues horses i’d always try magnesium first off.

 

[Kat]

I did think this but he's not got digital pulses or a cresty neck or any of the other signs

I know nothing about your horse but sore feet due to spring grass causing inflammation is very common and it can cause issues way before it is serious enough for the classic symptoms to present themselves.

 

[Bea332]

Magnesium is essential for activating/making/synthesising ATP energy molecules, which are the primary energy molecules the body uses in all mammals, for cellular/muscular function.

Therefore magnesium deficiency can show as lethargy/sluggishness/fatigue, and spookiness as the sympathetic nervous system is activated, while magnesium triggers para-sympathetic ‘calm’ nervous system branch.

Some people find their horses are ‘sharper’ when on magnesium supplementation, due to the horse now having more energy to actually use.
Start low dose - around 3-5g...see how he goes.


Grass/hay/haylage magnesium levels in comparison to other mineral levels, are always low. You’ll have grams of iron per kilo, while magnesium is often around 50mg = nothing.
For all fat/sluggish/fatigues horses i’d always try magnesium first off.

Perfect thank you. This was a really insightful and interesting reply. I've also heard that magnesium can help with mildly laminitic ponies (I'm sure someone will tell me if that's wrong) so even if the sluggishness isn't because of a magnesium deficiency, it'll at least help with his hooves etc