Elite Equine

🐴 What is SAA (StableLab® Serum Amyloid A) and Why Do We Measure It?

One of the most valuable stall-side tests we have in equine medicine is the StableLab® SAA test, which measures Serum Amyloid A (SAA)—an acute phase protein produced by the liver in response to significant inflammation or infection.

In a healthy horse, the SAA level is 0–50 mg/L. When the result is greater than 50 mg/L, it indicates that the horse is experiencing a significant inflammatory response, most commonly due to infection. The higher the number, the more severe the inflammatory process is likely to be, although SAA does not tell us where the inflammation is occurring.

SAA is incredibly useful because it rises rapidly—often within 6 to 12 hours after inflammation begins—and can also decrease quickly once the underlying problem is successfully treated. This makes it an excellent tool not only for identifying infection, but also for monitoring a horse’s response to treatment.

For example, if we diagnose a bacterial infection and begin antibiotics, we expect the SAA value to steadily decline over the following days. A falling SAA tells us the infection is responding to treatment. If the number remains elevated or begins increasing again, it may indicate that the infection has not been adequately controlled, prompting us to re-evaluate the diagnosis or treatment plan.

🔬 Remember: SAA is one piece of the diagnostic puzzle. We always interpret it alongside the horse’s physical examination, diagnostics, other bloodwork, or other diagnostic tests. When used together, these tools help us make more informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your horse.

You go out to the pasture to bring your horse up to ride and you see them breathing like this. Do you know what condition presents with this classic breathing pattern?

Answer is Equine Heaves/Asthma or Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO)

If your horse has a chronic cough, nasal discharge, exercise intolerance, nostril flaring at rest or seems to “push” air out when breathing, they may be suffering from heaves (equine asthma).

One of the classic signs is an expiratory push. Instead of simply breathing out, affected horses have to actively use their abdominal muscles to force air from their lungs because their airways have become narrowed and inflamed. Over time, this extra effort can even create a visible “heave line” along the abdomen.

The foundation of treatment is reducing airway irritation:
🌾 Eliminate round bales and dusty hay. They can not eat off of round bales period!
💨 Provide the cleanest, most dust-free environment possible with good ventilation.
🌱 Soak or steam hay when appropriate and minimize exposure to dust and mold.
💊 Medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and nebulized therapies can help reduce inflammation and open the airways, especially during flare-ups.

The most important thing to remember is that management is just as important as medication. Many horses with heaves can live comfortable, active lives when their environment is optimized and treatment is started early.

If you think your horse may be showing signs of equine asthma, contact Elite Equine. Early intervention can make a tremendous difference in long-term lung health.