Canine Pancreatitis (cPL)
Canine pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that can be difficult to distinguish from other acute gastrointestinal disease. Canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPL) is a species-specific test that supports diagnosis and monitoring. Point-of-care quantitative testing can return a cPL result during the same visit, supporting faster clinical decisions.
Fact Table
| Species | Canine |
|---|---|
| Biomarkers | Canine Pancreatic Lipase (cPL) |
| Tests |
Clinical Context
Canine pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that can be difficult to distinguish from other acute gastrointestinal disease. Canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPL) is a species-specific test that supports diagnosis and monitoring. Point-of-care quantitative testing can return a cPL result during the same visit, supporting faster clinical decisions.
Interpretation should combine the quantitative result with the patient's signalment, history, clinical signs, vaccination or treatment history where relevant, and any other laboratory findings. A single value is rarely diagnostic on its own; serial measurements often provide more useful information.
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2026-09-12
MEDIUM
FAQ
What is cPL and how is it different from fPL?
cPL (canine pancreatic lipase) and fPL (feline pancreatic lipase) are species-specific pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity tests. cPL is used in dogs, fPL in cats, and they are not interchangeable — each measures the pancreas-specific lipase of that species.
Why are amylase and lipase unreliable for pancreatitis?
Amylase and lipase are not pancreas-specific and are affected by many non-pancreatic conditions, so they have poor sensitivity and specificity for pancreatitis. Pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPL/fPL) is far more accurate.
How fast is a cPL or fPL result?
Quantitative immunofluorescence analyzers like the Migibio FIA680 and FIA880 return cPL and fPL results in about 10–20 minutes from serum or plasma, so pancreatitis can be ruled in or out during the same visit.
What sample is used for quantitative cPL testing?
The quantitative cPL test is conducted using serum or plasma (EDTA anticoagulant recommended).