Lipase

Indications for performing this test: This test is performed in suspected cases of pancreatitis. Animals presenting with vomiting, depression, cranial abdominal pain, and anorexia should be evaluated with a serum lipase test.

Lipase is produced by the pancreas and is secreted in the active form. It's activity is enhanced by an alkaline pH and the presence of bile in the duodenum. The pancreas and gastric mucosa are the only know sources of lipase. Pancreatic lipase acts to hydrolyze triglycerides to fatty acids and glycerol.

Serum lipase activity will increase due to:

Significant elevations in lipase are most often correlated to pancreatitis.

Slight elevations may occur in cases of renal disease and administration of glucocorticoids.

Lipase will increase more often than amylase in cases of feline pancreatitis.

Special consideration in cats: Recent studies suggest that serum amylase and lipase are very poor indicators of pancreatitis in cats. It is important not to rule out pancreatitis in a cat exhibiting compatible clinical signs based solely on the amylase and lipase concentrations in the serum. fPLI may be a much more reliable diagnostic aid in the diagnosis of feline pancreatitis.

Depression and anorexia may be the primary signs seen in a cat with pancreatitis.

***Analysis of lipase activity is most helpful if concurrent analysis of amylase is also preformed. Normal serum lipase does not rule out pancreatitis in a clinically suspicious dog or cat.***

For more information . . .

Williams DA, Bratt RM: Sensitivity and specificity of radioimmunoassay of serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity for the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. JAVMA 192: 195-201, 1988.

Veterinary Laboratory Medicine, Duncan, Prasse, and Mahaffey page 119.

Veterinary Laboratory Medicine, Interpretation & Diagnosis. Meyer & Harvey, pages 172.