Equine Innovators: Real-Time Decisions Using Biomarkers in Horses

Dr. Holly Helbig and Dr. David Levine describe how they use SAA and other biomarkers to spot infection early, guide treatment, support biosecurity, and monitor horses in real time.

Acute phase proteins such as serum amyloid A (SAA) give veterinarians an early look at inflammation, infection, and how a horse responds to treatment.

In this Equine Innovators episode, we dig into how SAA and other key biomarkers guide everyday decisions—from biosecurity on busy farms and showgrounds to managing postoperative cases, colic, and foal exams.

Host Stephanie Church, editorial director at The Horse, talks with Dr. Holly Helbig of Zoetis and Dr. David Levine from the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center about when they reach for SAA, how it compares with fibrinogen and white blood cell counts, and why serial testing often matters more than any single number. They share stall-side and hospital protocols, real-world case examples, and ways biomarker trends support smarter antimicrobial use and quarantine decisions.

The Equine Innovators podcast series is brought to you by Zoetis. You can find the Equine Innovators podcast on TheHorse.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many other podcast apps. Don’t miss a single episode! Sign up now to receive email reminders from The Horse.

Show Notes:

SAA and other Biomarker resources from TheHorse.com:

SAA Resources from ZoetisUS.com:

About the Researchers:

Holly Helbig, DVM

Holly Helbig, DVM, joined Zoetis in 2023 as an equine technical services veterinarian. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a focus in lameness and sport horse medicine. Helbig was the official veterinarian for The World Equestrian Center Ohio; The Kentucky Horse Shows series; and various FEI competitions for 10 years prior to joining Zoetis. She also had an ambulatory practice serving patients around her hometown of Columbus, Ohio, and into parts of Michigan and Kentucky. Helbig is an avid rider and competes professionally at hunter/jumper shows in her free time. She lives at home with her wheaten terrier, Bad Boy Brady.

David Levine, DVM, Dipl. ACVS (large animal), ACVSMR (equine)

David Levine, DVM, Dipl. ACVS (large animal), ACVSMR (equine), is an associate professor of large animal surgery at New Bolton Center, the large animal hospital of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Levine has been at New Bolton Center since 2004 and serves as the program director for the large animal surgery residency, as well as a member of the Board of Regents for the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. His research interests include diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of orthopedic infections as well as equine skin tumors.

Stephanie L. Church, Editorial Director

Stephanie L. Church, editorial director for The Horse and Stable Management, grew up riding and caring for her family’s horses in Central Virginia and received a B.A. in journalism and equestrian studies from Averett University. She joined The Horse in 1999 and has led the editorial team since 2010. A 4-H and Pony Club graduate, she enjoys dressage, eventing, and trail riding. Her heart horse, It Happened Again (“Happy,” pictured), a former graded-stakes-winning Thoroughbred gelding, was her longtime mount and remains a lasting inspiration. She now has an 8-year-old off-track Thoroughbred, Dune of Pilat (“Dune”), and is enjoying building a partnership with him. Stephanie is based in Lexington, Kentucky.