Gastrin – Equine
Gastrin is a peptide hormone produced primarily by the G-cells in the stomach lining, responsible for stimulating gastric acid secretion. In equine veterinary medicine, measuring gastrin levels can provide valuable insights into gastrointestinal health. Elevated gastrin levels are often associated with conditions such as equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), delayed gastric emptying, or gastrin-secreting tumors (gastrinomas). These conditions can result in chronic discomfort, weight loss, poor performance, and behavioral changes in affected horses. Gastrin testing, typically performed on serum samples, is a minimally invasive diagnostic method that aids veterinarians in identifying abnormal gastric physiology. It is particularly useful when clinical signs such as recurrent colic, anorexia, or unresponsiveness to conventional ulcer treatments are observed. By detecting elevated gastrin levels, this test supports accurate diagnosis, guides therapeutic decisions, and monitors treatment efficacy in horses with suspected gastric disorders.
Test name
Gastrin – Equine
Test Code
E130
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
- Lester, G.D., et al. “The Role of Gastrin in Equine Gastric Disorders: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications.” Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2021.
- Sykes, B.W., et al. “Advances in Understanding Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome: Diagnostic Use of Gastrin.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 2022.
- Andrews, F.M., et al. “Gastrin Measurement in Horses: Clinical Applications and Relevance.” Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2023.
