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

Many studies have shown a strong correlation between Hindgut Acidosis (HGA) and the occurrence of laminitis in horses; therefore, the early diagnosis of HGA is essential. In this study, we investigated changes in the plasma concentrations of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) as inflammatory markers in horses with laminitis. Sixteen healthy male Arabian horses that had cecal cannulation without visible laminitis or general symptoms were randomly divided into two groups. The horses were fed two different diets in a forage-to-concentrate ratio. Blood samples were collected on Days 1, 10, and 20. The primary objective of this study was to analyze plasma levels of LBP and SAA. Cecal specimens were obtained from each equine subject on three designated days: days 1, 10, and 20. The second objective was to assess the levels of pH and volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the samples. Throughout the study period, horses fed a high-concentrate diet exhibited a significantly elevated average lameness grade on days 10 and 20 compared to the initial stage (P < 0.001). On day 20, a significant increase in the concentration of SAA was observed in horses fed a high-concentrate diet, in contrast to the initial stage of the study. LBP levels in the plasma were significantly elevated on days 10 and 20 in horses fed a high-concentrate diet. Based on our findings, it is recommended that the evaluation of plasma LBP concentrations is more effective than SAA for the early identification of HGA in horses fed a high-grain diet.