You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Estimating the activity of the enzyme lipase is frequently included in laboratory screening tests for cats and dogs, but interpretation can be difficult

The enzyme lipase originates from :

• The pancreas - THE MAIN SITE 
• The stomach mucosa

Tests used to detect enzymes rely on measuring their chemical activity in vitro - so absolute measurements of their concentration are not available. This introduces a complication into interpreting results. 

Published ranges for lipase in dogs are 0-500units/l and in cats are 0-700units/l but each laboratory will have its own reference range.

False high results may occur if the blood sample is haemolysed , if the animal is jaundiced or if heparin has been administered to the patient immediately prior to sampling.

An increase in lipase activity is found in several diseases, including:

• Pancreatic disease - 2-3 times normal
  • Acute pancreatitis - in dogs AND cats
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Obstruction of the pancreatic duct
  • Pancreatic abscess
  • Drug-induced pancreatitis - eg azathioprine, calcium, corticosteroids, diuretics (frusemide and thiazides), metronidazole, oestrogens, sulphonamides, tetracycline, 
• Corticosteroid therapy - occasionally reported ? due to drug-induced pancreatitis
• Renal failure - rare - mild increases

Increased lipase activity is usually present in acute pancreatitis and it is therefore a much more reliable test  than amylase. It is also useful in the diagnosis of pancreatic disease in cats, although in both species PLI tests are now regarded as the best for pancreatitis

Last updated : January 2016