Plasma concentration of serum amyloid A and lipopolysaccharide binding protein in horses with laminitis resulted from hindgut acidosis.

This research article explores the correlations between hindgut acidosis (HGA) production and incidence of laminitis in horses, by examining varying levels of inflammation markers—lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and serum amyloid A (SAA)—in their plasma.

Research Methodology

• Sixteen healthy male Arabian horses were selected for the study, and divided into two groups. These horses showed no signs of laminitis or other ailments, and they all had a certain surgery performed called cecal cannulation.
• Each group was given a different forage-to-concentrate ratio in their diets. Blood samples were taken at three different intervals: Days 1, 10, and 20.
• Two key research objectives were pursued: analyzing plasma levels of LBP and SAA, and assessing levels of pH and volatile fatty acids (VFA) in cecal specimens. The latter were obtained from each horse on the same days when blood samples were collected.

Key Findings

• The observation data showed significant changes in the horses that were given a high-concentrate diet. This group had a higher average lameness grade on the tenth and twentienth days compared to the start of the study, indicating an increase in lameness symptoms.
• The plasma concentration of SAA was significantly higher on day 20 in the high-concentrate diet group, compared to the initial stage of the study.
• LBP levels in the plasma were significantly elevated on days 10 and 20 in horses fed with a high-concentrate diet.

Conclusion

• The conclusion drawn from these findings is that the examination of plasma LBP concentrations is more effective in early detection of HGA in horses placed on a high-grain diet, as opposed to evaluating SAA levels. High LBP levels indicate increasing inflammation, thus acting as a more prominent warning sign of developing HGA and, subsequently, laminitis.