Your Guide to Equine Health Care

What is SAA, and Why is it Important to Equine Medicine?

July 8, 2014
Posted by Erica Larson

Recently, a biomarker called SAA has become a buzzword, garnering attention from the equine veterinary community for its ability to indicate inflammation. So just what is SAA and why are so many veterinarians and researchers starting to analyze it?

Topics: Article, Diagnostics and Technology, Horse Care, Vet and Professional

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There is still much to be learned about SAA, but we do know that it increases in response to inflammation and veterinarians can test for this increase using a simple blood test. | The Horse Staff

Every few years a new buzzword begins circulating in the horse health industry. And recently, a biomarker called SAA has become such a word, garnering attention from the equine veterinary community for its ability to indicate inflammation. So just what is SAA and why are so many veterinarians and researchers starting to analyze it?

TheHorse.com caught up with two veterinarians well-versed on the topic—Luis Castro, DVM, a racehorse practitioner with Teigland, Franklin & Brokken in Boynton Beach, Florida, Saratoga Springs, New York; and David Levine, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, staff surgeon at New Bolton Center, the large-animal hospital of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania—to find out more about this important biomarker.

TheHorse.com: First, the burning question: What is SAA?

Dr. Luis Castro: Serum amyloid A. It’s a biomarker protein produced in the liver in the face of inflammation caused by

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Written by:

Erica Larson

Erica Larson, former news editor for The Horse, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.

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