Changes in saliva analytes in equine acute abdominal disease: a sialochemistry approach.
Authors: Contreras-Aguilar María Dolores, Escribano Damián, Martínez-Subiela Silvia, Martín-Cuervo María, Lamy Elsa, Tecles Fernando, Cerón Jose Joaquín
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Salivary Biomarkers in Equine Colic Acute abdominal disease in horses remains diagnostically challenging, and current assessment relies heavily on blood work and clinical examination. This research evaluated whether a panel of 23 biochemical analytes commonly measured in serum could be reliably detected and quantified in equine saliva, then investigated whether horses with acute abdominal disease (colic) showed measurable changes in these salivary markers compared to healthy controls. Following analytical validation in an initial pilot cohort (six healthy and six diseased horses), the researchers identified promising analytes and progressed to a larger validation study comprising 20 healthy horses and 37 with acute abdominal disease. Several salivary analytes demonstrated significant alterations in diseased horses, potentially offering a non-invasive diagnostic avenue that could complement existing clinical protocols. For practitioners, this sialochemistry approach represents a promising tool for rapid point-of-care assessment, particularly valuable in field settings where venepuncture may be challenging or where early triage decisions are needed; however, further research is required to establish the clinical sensitivity and specificity of individual markers and determine their practical utility alongside traditional diagnostic methods.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Saliva testing could provide a non-invasive alternative to blood sampling for diagnosing acute abdominal disease in horses, reducing stress during colic emergencies
- •Salivary biomarkers may help differentiate healthy from diseased horses and could complement traditional diagnostic approaches in field settings
- •Further research needed to identify which specific salivary analytes are most sensitive and specific for different types of equine abdominal disease to enable practical clinical application
Key Findings
- •A panel of 23 biochemical analytes was successfully validated for measurement in equine saliva, providing a non-invasive diagnostic alternative to serum sampling
- •Significant differences in salivary analytes were identified between healthy horses (n=26) and horses with acute abdominal disease (n=43), with pilot study showing changes in multiple markers
- •Sialochemistry demonstrates potential as a diagnostic tool for acute abdominal disease in horses through non-invasive saliva collection