Hi Becca.
The only real definitive test for pancreatitis is biopsy of the pancreas. The most specific blood test is the canine specific pancreatic lipase that is run by Texas GI lab, Spec cPL. Idexx lab also has the ability to run this test. But even that test is not specific for pancreatitis. If the test is negative ( a low number) it is very likely that your dog does not have pancreatitis. If the test comes back elevated.. your dog may have pancreatitis. The higher the number the more likely the pancreas is involved. But it isn’t 100% … you can have a high number and a normal pancreas or a low number and pancreatitis. The Snap test is a test by Idexx. If the spec CPL level is low the test is “neg” and if the value is above 200 (?) the test is positive. But you can have a spec cPL above 200 and not have pancreatitis. So a “pos” Snap test is not definitive for pancreatitis Definitively diagnosing pancreatitis is one of the hardest diagnosis to make.
