Indications
Sodium Selenate is a source of the trace mineral selenium used in veterinary medicine, usually combined with vitamin E in oral solutions, premixes and injections for poultry, cattle, sheep, goats and other livestock. It is used to prevent and treat selenium and vitamin E deficiency, including white muscle disease (nutritional muscle degeneration) in young animals, exudative diathesis and encephalomalacia in poultry, poor fertility and hatchability, retained placenta, and to support growth, immunity and recovery from stress. It is not for human use.
How It Works
Selenium is part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which works together with vitamin E to protect cell membranes from damage by oxidation. When either is lacking, muscles (including the heart), blood vessels and reproductive tissues can be damaged. Supplying selenium restores this protective system.
Dosage and Administration
Give only as directed on the product label or by a veterinarian, usually mixed into drinking water or feed for a set number of days, or by injection given by a veterinarian. Mix freshly each day and make sure all animals have access to treated water. Observe the withdrawal period stated on the label before meat, milk or eggs are used for human food.
Interactions
Avoid giving several selenium-containing products at the same time, as the margin between a useful and a toxic dose is narrow. High levels of sulphur, copper or certain other minerals in the diet can reduce selenium uptake. Ask a veterinarian before combining with other supplements.
Contraindications
- Animals already receiving adequate selenium from feed or other supplements.
- Known sensitivity to the product.
- Not for use in humans.
Side Effects
At recommended doses side effects are uncommon. Too much selenium causes poisoning: signs include breathing difficulty, diarrhoea, weakness, staggering, loss of appetite, a garlic smell on the breath and sudden death; long-term excess can cause hair or feather loss and hoof problems. Injections can cause local swelling and, rarely, allergic reactions.
Contact a veterinarian urgently if treated animals show breathing difficulty, staggering, collapse or sudden deaths. If a person swallows the product, seek medical help immediately.
Pregnancy and Lactation
In livestock, selenium and vitamin E are often given to pregnant animals to prevent deficiency in the newborn, but only at the dose set by a veterinarian. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid handling concentrated products without gloves.
Precautions and Warnings
- Measure doses carefully: selenium has a narrow safety margin, and young animals are especially sensitive.
- Wear gloves and wash hands after handling; avoid contact with eyes.
- Keep away from food and animal feed not intended for treatment.
- Respect withdrawal periods for meat, milk and eggs.
Overdose
Overdose causes selenium poisoning, which can be fatal and has no specific antidote. Stop the product and call a veterinarian at once. In humans who swallow it, seek emergency medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Veterinary trace mineral supplement (selenium, often with vitamin E).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the container tightly closed and separate from human food and medicines. Injections: as directed on the pack.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.