By 6 days after selenium injection, many parameters had returned to normal. These results suggested an inflammatory response in selenium-deficient chicks. Introduction A selenium or vitamin E deficiency in chicks results in a condition called exudative diathesis. It is characterized by an accumulation of transparent fluid, usually around the breast. Tissue changes are similar to those of an inflammation, resulting in an accumulation of leukocytes and slight hemorrhaging.
Capillary permeability is increased in the inflamed tissue.
These effects have been attributed to oxidative damage to the capillaries. An experiment was designed to provide data about blood chemistry, hematology, and histology of chicks that were selenium-deficient or recovering from a deficiency. At 10 days of age, several chicks had developed exudative diathesis. Trios that were closely matched for severity were selected. One chick within a trio was injected subcutaneously with 0.5 ml of distilled water.