Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How well do Spec cPL and DGGR lipase tests match pancreatic
By Kook, P H et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2014·Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Agreement of serum Spec cPL with the 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero glutaric acid-(6'-methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase assay and with pancreatic ultrasonography in dogs with suspected pancreatitis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 142 dogs suspected of having pancreatitis underwent testing with two different blood tests for lipase levels and also had abdominal ultrasounds. The results showed that the blood tests (Spec cPL and DGGR lipase) were generally reliable for diagnosing pancreatitis, but the ultrasound results were not as consistent with the blood test findings. This means that while the blood tests are useful, veterinarians should be cautious when interpreting ultrasound results for pancreatitis. The study highlights the importance of using multiple methods to get an accurate diagnosis.
People also search for: dog pancreatitis symptoms · dog blood test for pancreatitis · dog ultrasound pancreatitis diagnosis
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Spec cPL is the most sensitive and specific test for diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs. Its results have not been compared to those of the 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6'-methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase assay or those of abdominal ultrasonography. OBJECTIVES: To investigate agreement of Spec cPL with DGGR lipase activity and pancreatic ultrasonography in dogs with suspected pancreatitis. ANIMALS: One hundred and forty-two dogs. METHODS: DGGR lipase activity (reference range, 24-108 U/L) and Spec cPL were measured using the same sample. The time interval between ultrasonography and lipase determinations was <24 hours. The agreement of the 2 lipase assays at different cutoffs and the agreement between pancreatic ultrasonography and the 2 tests were assessed using Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ). RESULTS: DGGR lipase (>108, >216 U/L) and Spec cPL (>200 μg/L) had κ values of 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.9) and 0.70 (CI, 0.58-0.82). DGGR lipase (>108, >216 U/L) and Spec cPL (>400 μg/L) had κ values of 0.55 (CI, 0.43-0.67) and κ of 0.80 (CI, 0.71-0.9). An ultrasonographic diagnosis of pancreatitis and DGGR lipase (>108, >216 U/L) had κ values of 0.29 (CI, 0.14-0.44) and 0.35 (CI, 0.18-0.52). Ultrasonographically diagnosed pancreatitis and Spec cPL (>200, >400 μg/L) had κ values of 0.25 (CI, 0.08-0.41) and 0.27 (CI, 0.09-0.45). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although both lipase assays showed high agreement, agreement between ultrasonography and lipase assays results was only fair. Because lipase results are deemed more accurate, ultrasonography results should be interpreted carefully.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24597630/