Magnesium Deficiency in Horses

[Limitless]

Has anyone ever had a horse with this issue? What were the symptoms? Did you test or just treat? What supplement did you use and how much?

I’m wondering if the “shivering” my old guy has experienced this winter was not in fact him being cold, but really instead a magnesium deficiency and the shivering was actually muscle twitching. Other symptoms that he has that seem to fall in line with it are crankiness, crankiness about blanketing, lack of appetite, ventral edema and an increased heart murmur. Of course, all this can add up to a failing heart as well, but I’m starting him on magnesium tonight in hopes this is really the underlying issue.

[allons-y]

With a known heart murmur, “increasing”, I certainly would not start any Mag supplement without blood levels and Vet advice first. See what the Vet says.

[candyappy]

Truthfully , all his symptoms say to me he is old, enduring a long brutal winter and dealing with issues that come with a heart problem.

I would get a vet on board if you want to supplement what he might be lacking mineral wise.

How is his weight? Being thin can make him cold even with a blanket.

[Limitless]

The vet is board with me trying it. His previous previous owner had him on for years to aid with inflammation. His weight is okay, but I’ve increased his fat percentage which my reading tells me could have caused the deficiency.

[DressageLin]

I just had a full blood panel run on my two horses and it was $150 each. It’s worth testing to see what is going on with the different levels.