Leptin Baseline – Equine
Leptin baseline testing is a diagnostic tool used to measure circulating leptin levels in horses, providing insights into metabolic health and body condition regulation. Leptin, a hormone produced primarily by adipose tissue, plays a critical role in energy balance, appetite control, and fat metabolism. In equines, elevated leptin levels are often associated with insulin dysregulation, obesity, and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). These conditions can predispose horses to laminitis and other serious health complications. Measuring baseline leptin levels helps veterinarians identify metabolic imbalances in horses that may not yet exhibit overt clinical signs. This test is particularly useful for assessing horses with obesity, unexplained weight gain, or those at risk of developing metabolic disorders. It also aids in monitoring the effectiveness of dietary and management interventions designed to optimize metabolic health. The test is minimally invasive, requiring a serum sample, and serves as an important marker in equine wellness programs.
Test name
Leptin Baseline – Equine
Test Code
E137
Section
Endocrinology
Species
Equine
Specimen
2 ml Serum
Collection Guidelines
- Collect an adequate amount of blood in a plain red-top tube or serum separator tube (yellow-top tube). Allow it to clot at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before separation.
- Centrifuge to separate the serum. Transfer the clear serum into a new, leak-proof plain red-top tube and label it as “serum.”
- Excessively hemolyzed samples are not suitable for this test.
- Unspun samples will not be accepted.
- Refrigerate sample at 4oC until shipment.
Turnaround time
14-21 days
Packing Instructions
Label each sample with the animal’s name and a unique identifier, using a permanent marker or a secure adhesive label. Ensure the submittal form is completed with the animal’s information and relevant medical history.
References
- Banse, H.E., et al. “Leptin as a Biomarker for Metabolic Disorders in Horses: Diagnostic and Clinical Implications.” Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2021.
- Geor, R.J., et al. “The Role of Leptin in Equine Obesity and Insulin Dysregulation: Advances in Diagnostics.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 2022.
- Frank, N., et al. “Leptin Dynamics and Its Clinical Relevance in Managing Equine Metabolic Syndrome.” Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2023.
