Epsom Salts and Magnesium Toxicity in Horses
by Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Introduction
Introduction
»
Clinical Signs
»
Cause
»
Treatment
»
More Info & Discussions
Magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salts) is frequently used as a laxative in colicky horses. Magnesium toxicity has been observed infrequently in horses treated with Epsom Salts for colic. Certain preexisting factors seem to predispose horses to the poisoning. This article discusses the cause, clinical signs, and treatment of mangesium toxicity. For more on magnesium in the diet of horses see,
Minerals and Nutrition.
Clinical Signs
Introduction
»
Clinical Signs
»
Cause
»
Treatment
»
More Info & Discussions
The primary clinical sign is flaccid paralysis leading to recumbency. You may see sweating, agitation, and tremors initially. Heart rates are variable. Clinical signs usually begin four to six hours after administration but this may vary greatly.
Cause
Introduction
»
Clinical Signs
»
Cause
»
Treatment
»
More Info & Discussions
To read more on this topic become a member of
Horseadvice.com! Your membership gets you instant access to this and over 600 equine articles on our site. Other benefits of your membership include participation in our discussion boards and access to our one button PubMed search tool for each topic.
Horseadvice.com educates you to be a more knowledgeable horse owner which leads to healthier horses and save you money, we guarantee it. Come Join Us!