Feline Pancreatitis (fPL)
Feline pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that can present with non-specific signs and is often associated with other gastrointestinal or hepatic disease. Feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPL) is a species-specific test that supports diagnosis and monitoring. Point-of-care quantitative testing can return an fPL result during the same visit.
Fact Table
| Species | Feline |
|---|---|
| Biomarkers | Feline Pancreatic Lipase (fPL) |
| Tests |
Clinical Context
Feline pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that can present with non-specific signs and is often associated with other gastrointestinal or hepatic disease. Feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPL) is a species-specific test that supports diagnosis and monitoring. Point-of-care quantitative testing can return an fPL result during the same visit.
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.
Can I use cPL on a cat or fPL on a dog?
No. cPL (canine pancreatic lipase) and fPL (feline pancreatic lipase) are species-specific assays and are not interchangeable. Running a dog assay on a cat sample, or vice versa, produces an invalid result.