Officials blame mineral overdose in horse deaths

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Florida's top veterinarian, Dr. Thomas J. Holt, on Tuesday blamed the deaths of 21 elite polo horses on an overdose of a mineral that helps muscles recover from fatigue. Holt said toxicology tests on the dead horses showed significantly increased selenium levels. The horses from the Venezuelan-owned Lechuza Caracas team began collapsing April 19. A Florida pharmacy that mixed the supplements for the team said Tuesday that the strength of selenium was incorrect.

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