NMR Metabolomics in Veterinary Medicine: From Biomarker Discovery to Clinical Implementation

Abstract

Simple Summary Animal diseases can be difficult to detect early, and many current tests provide limited information about how a disease is affecting the whole body. This review examines whether nuclear magnetic resonance, a laboratory method that measures many small chemicals in blood, urine, milk and other samples, could improve disease detection and monitoring in veterinary medicine. Published studies have found chemical patterns associated with cancer, infections, respiratory and digestive disorders, kidney disease, hormonal conditions and joint disease in several animal species. However, most studies involved relatively small groups of animals, and their findings have rarely been confirmed in separate populations. Smaller and easier-to-use instruments, together with computer-assisted analysis, may make this approach more accessible, but routine use will require larger studies conducted at several centres, standard procedures, comparison with existing tests and evidence that it is affordable and improves veterinary decisions. If these requirements are met, this technology could support earlier diagnosis, better treatment selection, reduced unnecessary antimicrobial use, improved animal welfare and lower economic losses in livestock production.