Jared if your dog has high Lipase levels read this article regarding correct blood test to determine if the elevation truly is from pancreatitis or some other problem. Can routine tests be used to diagnose pancreatitis?
Routine blood tests, including a Complete Blood Count and Biochemistry Profile (see handouts: “Complete Blood Count” and “Serum Biochemistry”) typically reveal abnormalities that are suggestive of pancreatitis. However, the changes are not unique to the disease and do not give a definitive diagnosis.
In the past, the diagnosis of pancreatitis was based on finding high levels of two enzymes called serum amylase and serum lipase. While high values of these enzymes can be found in dogs with pancreatitis, the tests have not proven reliable and are no longer considered the tests of choice for diagnosing pancreatitis in the dog.
What is pancreas-specific lipase? How is it different from serum lipase?
“…blood values increase only when there is pancreatic inflammation.”
Pancreas-specific lipase is a form of lipase produced only in the pancreas. It is highly specific to the pancreas, and blood values increase only when there is pancreatic inflammation. By comparison, serum lipase can come from tissues other than the pancreas, and high blood values can occur with conditions other than pancreatitis.
