Do all dogs with pancreatic insufficiency have decreased trypsin-like immunoreactivity blood values?
Typically by the time that clinical signs of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency are apparent most dogs will have significantly reduced concentrations of trypsin-like immunoreactivity. However, if a dog has concurrent pancreatitis, or if a sample is taken shortly after a meal, the amount of trypsin-like immunoreactivity may be temporarily increased into the normal range. Are there any other tests that may be used to diagnose exocrine pancreatic insufficiency? Yes but these tests have been largely replaced by the trypsin-like immunoreactivity test. Determination of B12 (cobalamin) and folate concentrations in a serum sample may provide supportive evidence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Dietary deficiency in either of these two vitamins is unlikely since they are readily available in most commercial diets. However, because pancreatic digestive enzymes are required for the proper absorption of B12 from the digestive tract, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency may result in decreased ser
