An unusual case of generalized soft-tissue mineralization in a suckling foal.
Authors: Estepa J C, Aguilera-Tejero E, Zafra R, Mayer-Valor R, Rodríguez M, Perez J
Journal: Veterinary pathology
Summary
# Editorial Summary A severe outbreak of soft-tissue mineralisation affecting both mares and suckling foals in an Andalusian herd was traced to dietary mineral imbalance—specifically, inadequate calcium coupled with excess dietary phosphorus. The investigation documented markedly elevated serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in mares (approximately tenfold above normal reference ranges), with only marginal elevations in affected foals, yet foals exhibited more pronounced clinical signs including joint pain, lameness, stiffness and failure to thrive. Post-mortem examination of one deceased foal revealed pathological mineralisation within arterial walls and pulmonary parenchyma, highlighting the serious systemic consequences of prolonged secondary hyperparathyroidism in young stock. Importantly, clinical signs in both mares and foals resolved within four weeks of correcting the dietary calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, demonstrating that this potentially life-threatening condition is entirely preventable through proper mineral nutrition. For equine nutritionists and veterinarians, this case underscores the critical importance of verifying precise mineral composition in foal diets and ensuring adequate calcium intake during lactation, as even subclinical mineral imbalances in nursing mares directly compromise foal health and survival.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Monitor foal herds for lameness, joint pain, and stiff gait as early indicators of mineral imbalance; check mare diet calcium:phosphorus ratio immediately.
- •Dietary mineral balance (particularly calcium and phosphorus) is critical for nursing foals—an imbalanced diet affects foals more severely than mares and can cause life-threatening complications.
- •Rapid dietary correction can resolve clinical signs within weeks, making early nutritional assessment essential when foals show unexplained lameness or poor growth.
Key Findings
- •Severe generalized soft-tissue mineralization occurred in suckling foals secondary to dietary mineral imbalance (low calcium, high phosphorus).
- •Serum PTH was elevated approximately 10-fold in mares and marginally elevated in foals from affected herd.
- •Clinical signs including unthriftiness, joint pain, lameness, and stiff gait were more pronounced in foals than mares.
- •All clinical signs resolved within 4 weeks of dietary correction.