2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

High FGF-23 and low klotho concentrations in the presence of elevated phosphorus and PTH concentrations suggests that FGF-23 resistance may be involved in the pathogenesis of mineral and endocrine disorders of critically ill foals. Alpha-tocopherol (a-TP) deficiency in horses can lead to nutritional myodegeneration, neuraxonal dystrophy, vitamin E deficient myopathy or motor neuron disease depending on its temporal occurrence and individual susceptibility. In the absence of adequate grass pasture, a-TP supplementation is becoming increasingly important and, due to better bioavailability, the "natural" isoform of a-TP, RRR-a-TP, is increasingly being used. RRR-a-TP is available in two formulations, a water-dispersible liquid and an acetate powder, with a more rapid increase in serum a-TP occurring with the more expensive liquid RRR-a-TP. RRR-a-TP acetate is often used for long-term supplementation however, due to the higher cost of liquid RRR-a-T.