Introduction

Specific canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (Spec cPL) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are biomarkers of pancreatic inflammation and nonspecific inflammation in dogs, respectively. Both biomarkers increase in dogs with acute pancreatitis (AP). However, concurrent serial measurements of Spec cPL and CRP to monitor progression of AP have not been evaluated.

Objectives

Serially evaluating changes in Spec cPL and CRP in dogs with cerulein-induced AP.

Methods

Six dogs received 2 h of cerulein infusion at 7.5 μg/kg/h intravenously to induce AP. Blood samples were obtained before, and at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and thereafter at 24-h intervals after cerulein infusion, until Spec cPL and CRP returned to reference intervals (RI; Spec cPL ≤ 200 μg/L, CRP 0–1 mg/dl).

Results

Spec cPL and CRP increased rapidly after cerulein infusion, and progressively decreased with time. Spec cPL reached median (range) peak concentration significantly earlier than CRP [3 (2–4) versus 18 (12–48) h; p = 0.03]. Although not statistically significant, Spec cPL returned to RI earlier than CRP [48 (24–96) versus 72 (24–144) h; p = 0.38]. Median peak concentrations of Spec cPL and CRP were 4,291 (2,736–6,924) μg/L and 2.3 (0.6–5.1) mg/dl, respectively. All 6 dogs showed peak Spec cPL above the RI, while 5/6 dogs showed peak CRP above the RI.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that Spec cPL and CRP may be useful in monitoring progression of dogs with AP. Without the presence of complications, Spec cPL and CRP will progressively return to RI. Spec cPL peaked and normalized faster than CRP.