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

Abstract

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics has emerged as a robust and reproducible analytical platform for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying disease and identifying candidate biomarkers with potential clinical relevance. Although initially developed for biomedical research, its application in veterinary medicine has expanded rapidly during the last decade, driven by the growing demand for precision medicine approaches capable of improving disease diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic monitoring. This review summarizes the current landscape of NMR metabolomics in veterinary medicine, highlighting its applications across major clinical areas, including oncology, infectious, respiratory, digestive, renal, endocrine and musculoskeletal diseases. Collectively, the available evidence demonstrates that NMR metabolomics consistently identifies disease-associated metabolic alterations, providing novel insights into pathophysiology while supporting biomarker discovery in naturally occurring animal diseases. Beyond current clinical applications, we discuss the major challenges that continue to limit routine implementation, including biological variability, standardization of analytical workflows, multicentre validation and clinical translation. Particular attention is given to recent technological advances, such as benchtop NMR instrumentation, artificial intelligence-assisted data analysis, multi-omics integration and the development of collaborative networks and standardized platforms. Together, these advances position NMR metabolomics as a promising technology to support precision veterinary medicine, facilitating its transition from biomarker discovery to routine clinical implementation.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