New faecal calprotectin test supports diagnosis and monitoring of canine and feline gastrointestinal disease

Carus Animal Health has announced the launch of GIQuest, a clinically validated faecal calprotectin lateral flow test, designed to support vets and nurses in the investigation and monitoring of gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation in dogs and cats. The launch was celebrated with a traditional Kagami Biraki ceremony at BVA Live - smashing open a sake barrel to symbolise new beginnings - followed by sake served on the stand, reflecting the company’s Japanese links through parent company Kyoritsu Holdings Corporation.

Faecal calprotectin is a protein released into the gut lumen by neutrophils and to a lesser extent by monocytes during intestinal inflammation. Its presence in faeces reflects the degree of neutrophilic infiltration in the gut mucosa, making it a useful biomarker for identifying intestinal inflammation. Already widely used in human health and included in the NICE guidelines for the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD),1 faecal calprotectin is finding growing application in veterinary medicine.

Chronic diarrhoea, vomiting and weight loss remain some of the most common reasons for small animal consultations, yet determining the underlying cause can be complex. Diagnosis often requires invasive procedures such as endoscopy or biopsy - both of which carry cost, risk, and sometimes practical limitations in general practice.

GIQuest offers a non-invasive, rapid alternative to support clinical decision-making. While not a replacement for histopathology, faecal calprotectin concentrations have been shown to correlate with disease severity in dogs and cats, as measured by tools such as the Canine Chronic Enteropathy Clinical Activity Index (CCECAI).2

New data from the University of Bristol Vet School confirm the test’s ability to differentiate dogs with histologically confirmed inflammatory enteropathy from healthy controls with high sensitivity (94%) and specificity (96%) using a score threshold of 3mg/kg.3 The test also performed well in cats, distinguishing those with inflammatory enteropathy from healthy controls with a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 92%.

In addition, the test detected elevated calprotectin levels consistent with inflammatory gastroenteropathy in 25% of dogs receiving oral NSAIDs. This highlights its potential not only in long-term monitoring but also early in treatment when GI side effects may first emerge. Identifying GI inflammation in this initial phase could support changes in a treatment plan before more significant issues develop.

Jolian Howell of Carus Animal Health describes GIQuest as a valuable addition to the diagnostic toolbox, saying, “Faecal calprotectin testing can provide additional clarity in a range of clinical scenarios. It is particularly useful when diagnosing and managing suspected inflammatory enteropathy or food related reactions and for monitoring or screening for GI side effects of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatories in long term OA therapy regimes.”

The Bristol study also showed that dogs with food-responsive enteropathy had a significant drop in calprotectin concentrations following dietary change, reinforcing the test’s role in tracking treatment response. Georgie Louca, Veterinary Business Manager for Carus Animal Health, adds, ”By providing a measurable, visual indicator of intestinal inflammation, GIQuest also helps support client communication and can improve compliance during treatment or dietary trials.”

GIQuest is a cost-effective patient-side test. Designed for use in practice, including during consultations, the test delivers results in just 15 minutes and is interpreted using a simple, colour-based scorecard.

GIQuest is now available to veterinary practices across the UK and can be ordered through veterinary wholesalers NVS, Covetrus and MWI.

References

1. NICE Diagnostics Guidance DG11 (2013) Faecal Calprotectin diagnostic tests for inflammatory diseases of the bowel.
2. Grellet, A. et al. (2013) Faecal calprotectin concentrations in adult dogs with chronic diarrhea. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 74(5),706 -711. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.74.5.706
3. Carus Animal Health (2025). Data on file.

About Carus Animal Health

Carus Animal Health was established in 2017 with support from Kyoritsu Holdings Corporation, Japan’s largest distributor of animal health products. Focused on finding unique solutions to challenges across companion animal, farm animal, and aquaculture sectors, Carus works in partnership with academia and early-stage innovative companies to bring new diagnostics and treatments to the veterinary market. The company is committed to supporting sustainable animal health, including investment in alternatives to antibiotics and point-of-care diagnostics that enhance clinical decision-making and patient care. GIQuest is the company’s first point-of-care diagnostic test.