BO-SE (Selenium and Vitamin E) Injectable

Giving your pet an injection might feel intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes routine. Follow these steps for safe and stress-free injections.

Get Your Supplies Ready

1. Medication vial or pre-filled syringe
2. Alcohol swabs
3. Sterile syringe & needle (if not pre-filled)
4. Sharps container for safe needle disposal

Drawing Up the Dose (if needed)

1. Clean the vial top with an alcohol swab
2. Attach needle to syringe
3. Pull in air equal to the dose
4. Insert needle into vial, push air in
5. Draw out the correct dose
6. Tap out air bubbles

Pick the Injection Site

1. Subcutaneous (under the skin): Loose skin between shoulder blades or side
2. Intramuscular (into muscle): As directed by your vet

Prep the Area

1. Pinch a fold of skin to form a “tent” (for subcutaneous). Wipe with alcohol if recommended.

Inject the Medication

1. Hold the syringe like a pencil
2. Insert the needle into the base of the skin tent at a 45° angle
3. Push the plunger slowly to inject

After the Injection

1. Remove the needle smoothly
2. Place it immediately in the sharps container (don’t recap)
3. Pat the area and give your pet praise or a treat

Safety Tips

1. Never reuse needles
2. Always dispose of used needles properly
3. Ask your vet for help if unsure

"The uses and pharmacology described below reflect the FDA-approved labeling for this active ingredient in food-producing species; your veterinarian determines whether and how a similar approach applies to your horse's treatment plan.

BO-SE supplies selenium and vitamin E, nutrients involved in antioxidant protection of muscle and other tissue. The FDA-approved label covers the prevention and treatment of selenium and vitamin E deficiency, including white muscle disease, in cattle, sheep and swine.

In equine practice, BO-SE is used off-label to address selenium and vitamin E deficiency, including in foals at risk for white muscle disease in regions where forage is low in selenium. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing, or monitoring."

Selenium has a narrow margin between a helpful dose and a toxic one — dosing should be based on your horse's diagnosed deficiency, typically guided by blood selenium testing, rather than given empirically. Signs of selenium toxicity can include hair loss, hoof cracking or sloughing, colic, and respiratory distress. Injection site reactions can occur. Tell your veterinarian about any other selenium or vitamin E supplementation your horse receives, including in feed, to avoid over-supplementation.