Measurement of feline-specific pancreatic lipase aids in the diagnosis of pancreatitis in cats.

Objective: To establish a reference interval for a feline-specific pancreatic lipase assay (Spec fPL test; Idexx Laboratories Inc) in healthy cats and determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Spec fPL test in a large group of ill cats with and without pancreatitis.

Animals: 41 healthy cats, 141 cats with clinical signs consistent with pancreatitis, and 786 stored sera with known feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI) concentrations.

Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, nonrandomized study.

Pancreas-specific lipase concentrations and amylase and lipase activities in the peritoneal fluid of dogs with suspected pancreatitis.

Diagnosing acute pancreatitis in the dog can be challenging. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of pancreas-specific lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI), and the activities of amylase and lipase, in the peritoneal fluid from a population of dogs diagnosed with acute pancreatitis based on clinical signs, ultrasonographic findings and serum cPLI concentrations. In a prospective study, cPLI concentrations, and amylase and lipase activities, were measured in the peritoneal fluid of 14 dogs with pancreatitis and 19 dogs with non-pancreatic disease.

Specificity of a canine pancreas-specific lipase assay for diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs without clinical or histologic evidence of the disease.

Objective: To evaluate the specificity of a canine pancreas-specific lipase (cPSL) assay for diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs without clinical or histologic evidence of the disease.

Animals: 20 dogs from another study with macroscopic evidence of pancreatitis and 44 dogs surrendered for euthanasia or expected to die.

Procedures: Prior to death, physical examination of each dog was performed and blood samples were collected for serum biochemical, serum cPSL, and hematologic analyses.