Magnesium deficiency

[roll_along]

Can vets blood test for magnesium deficiency?

My magnesium calmer seems to work sometimes and not others even though fed on a daily basis, so would really like to find out if horse actually needs it or not rather than spending more and more money on something pointless.

Thank you.

 

[spaniel]

What leads you to believe it doesnt work on some days ?

You need to understand that magnesium isnt dope. In brief it stops the 'overproduction' of adrenaline so it is entirely possible that your horses behaviour on days the you feel it doesnt work is actually quite normal for that horse and is not caused by adrenal stimulation.

Genuine extreme deficiency is very rare and causes loss of appetite, sweating, nervousness, tremors, rapid breathing and degeneration of the muscles (including the heart).

It is possible to have a small deficiency which you can meet with supplementation and it would be possible to test for this as the levels of adrenal, thyroid and parathyroid hormones are influenced by it.

However as to whether its worth it or not?....I wouldnt bother. It would be easier to cut out what you are already giving and see if it makes any difference!

 

[roll_along]

I put him on Nupafeed because he was fine on a day to day basis but when he travelled anywhere he would heavily sweat and get very worked up (although travel fine). I am not expecting a calming effect, I understand what happens when a horse has burnt off all it's magensium. He was getting himself into a state which can't be good for his mental wellbeing.

Within a week of him being on the Nupafeed he calmed down a lot but lately he has started to sweat and get worked up again just like before he started taking it.

His doseage hasn't changed, he is on the maintentance dose.

Any ideas?

 

[spaniel]

Ok, I would try upping the doseage a little. This time of year the available mag in grass is very low so it may be that he does just need a little more. Other than that maybe try a different manufacturer?? Im using Equine America Magnitude and that seems to work for me.