Serial measurement of serum pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity and trypsin-like immunoreactivity concentrations in dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus

K. T. Moraiti, F. Del Baldo, F. Fracassi, M. N. Pitropaki, D. A. Karra, V. D. Vaggeli, J. M. Steiner, P. G. XenoulisFirst published: 11 February 2026

https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.70100Digital

Abstract

Objectives

To serially evaluate the serum pancreatic lipase and trypsin-like immunoreactivity concentrations in dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

Serum pancreatic lipase and trypsin-like immunoreactivity concentrations, specific for each species, were measured in surplus serum samples from 52 dogs and 19 cats previously diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The samples were collected at initial presentation and at re-examinations.

Results

Serum pancreatic lipase concentrations were indicative of pancreatitis (>400 μg/L in dogs and >8.8 μg/L in cats) in 16/52 (31%) dogs and 5/19 (26%) cats with diabetes mellitus at initial presentation, respectively, and in 22/52 (42%) dogs and 7/19 (37%) cats at least at one re-examination, respectively. Serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity concentration was indicative of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (≤5.5 μg/L) in 2/52 (4%) dogs at initial presentation and in 3/52 (6%) dogs at least at one re-examination. Serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity concentration was indicative of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (<8 μg/L) in none of the cats.

Clinical Significance

Serum specific pancreatic lipase concentrations indicative of pancreatitis were relatively common in both dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus. Serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity concentrations indicative of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency were less common and were only observed in dogs. Repeated testing for concurrent exocrine pancreatic disorder in dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus may be indicated even if the patient is subclinical.