The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis can be difficult because clinical signs and results of diagnostic testing are often nonspecific.
How does a vet diagnose pancreatitis in dogs?
Overall, blood testing and abdominal ultrasound are better in helping to diagnose pancreatitis in dogs when it is acute and severe.
How do vets test for pancreatitis?
But because these symptoms can be quite common, they'll need to run various tests to support their decision. These tests are likely to include a specific blood test called a canine pancreatic lipase. They may also carry out abdominal x‑rays or an ultrasound scan.
Can pancreatitis in dogs be misdiagnosed?
These are amylase (which helps digest carbohydrates) and lipase (which helps digest fat). This is a more specific test for pancreatitis than a complete blood count or a chemistry profile. But, says Dr. Ross, “there can be false positives and false negatives,” so you can't view the results with 100 percent confidence.
What can mimic pancreatitis in dogs?
“To give the most accurate diagnosis possible, your veterinarian will also test for diseases that mimic pancreatitis, such as kidney disease and liver disease.” Steiner recommends giving pets with pancreatitis a low fat diet. This includes restricting animals from treats.
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