Award-winning Research Highlights Approach To Monitoring Gastrointestinal Health In Dogs Receiving NSAID Therapy
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Research exploring the use of faecal calprotectin testing to identify gastrointestinal inflammation in dogs receiving long-term NSAID therapy has won the top prize in the poster competition at the Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance Conference (VOACON) 2026.
Selected from a highly competitive field, the poster, based on a study from Carus Animal Health and the University of Bristol, was recognised for addressing a key challenge in osteoarthritis management: balancing the benefits of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with the need to monitor and proactively manage gastrointestinal health.
NSAIDs remain a cornerstone of canine osteoarthritis management but GI adverse effects are a recognised concern, particularly in dogs requiring long-term therapy. Until now, monitoring has largely relied on clinical signs, which may only become apparent once GI inflammation is already established.
The award-winning research highlights the potential role of faecal calprotectin, a biomarker of intestinal inflammation widely used in human medicine, as a practical and non-invasive monitoring tool for veterinary patients. Data presented at VOACON demonstrated that faecal calprotectin was elevated in some dogs receiving oral NSAIDs, even in the absence of obvious GI signs.
The findings build on previous validation work from the University of Bristol, which demonstrated that faecal calprotectin testing can accurately identify inflammatory GI disease in both dogs and cats. Together, the studies suggest that objective monitoring of intestinal inflammation may become an increasingly valuable component of long-term patient management.
Lucy Williams MRCVS, Marketing and Veterinary Technical Services Manager at Carus Animal Health, said:
"Veterinary teams are becoming increasingly proactive in how they manage osteoarthritis patients. We know NSAIDs can have a hugely positive impact on quality of life, but clinicians are also looking for ways to monitor patients more closely and identify potential issues before they become clinically significant. The response to this research at VOACON reflects the profession's growing interest in objective biomarkers that can support more informed treatment decisions and enhance patient care."
Jolian Howell, Chief Business Officer and Director of Carus Animal Health, commented:
"This award is a significant achievement, not only for Carus but also for the wider field of gastrointestinal biomarker research. It recognises the value of building an evidence base around earlier detection, patient monitoring and preventive healthcare.
It also reflects our wider commitment to research-led innovation. By working with academic institutions, research teams and technology partners, we are developing practical solutions across areas including point-of-care diagnostics, antimicrobial stewardship and bacteriophage therapy. Our focus is on translating emerging science into tools that can make a meaningful difference in veterinary practice.”
The research was conducted using GIQuest, Carus Animal Health's patient-side faecal calprotectin test, which supports the investigation and monitoring of GI inflammation in dogs and cats. The poster can be viewed here.
To find out more about GIQuest and ongoing research into faecal calprotectin testing, visit https://carusanimalhealth.com/giquest or contact Carus Animal Health at [email protected].
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