Utility of 1,2‐o‐dilauryl‐rac‐glycero glutaric acid‐(6′‐methylresorufin)‐ester‐lipase for monitoring dogs with chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: The utility of 1,2‐o‐dilauryl‐rac‐glycero glutaric acid‐(6′‐methylresorufin)‐ester‐(DGGR)‐lipase activity (DLA) in monitoring clinical progression of chronic pancreatitis (CP) in dogs is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of DLA with clinical signs of CP, as assessed by a CP clinical severity score (CPCSS). Animals: Twenty‐four dogs. METHODS: This is a retrospective study. Chronic pancreatitis was diagnosed based on clinical signs and DLA > 250 U/L and monitored using CPCSS and DLA. RESULTS: The study included 134 visits (median, 10 visits/dog; range, 2‐11). Mild‐moderate (CPCSS, 0‐3) and severe (CPCSS, ≥4) disease were documented in 94 (70%) and 40 (30%) visits, respectively. In emergency visits (n = 44; 33%) CPCSS (median, 5; range, 0‐15) and DLA (median, 534 U/L; range, 63‐7133) were higher (P < .001 and P = .003, respectively) than in scheduled ones (n = 90; 67%; median, 1; range, 0‐6 and median, 384 U/L; range, 49‐3747, respectively). DGGR‐lipase activity was associated (P = .009) with the CPCSS, with a lower activity documented in mild‐moderate CPCSS (median 391 U/L; range, 49‐3747), compared to severe score (median, 558 U/L; range, 63‐7133). DGGR‐lipase activity was significantly, but weakly, correlated with CPSS (r = 0.233, P = .007). DGGR‐lipase activity inefficiently discriminated mild‐moderate vs severe CP (area under the receiver operator characteristics curve, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.53‐0.75; P = .012), with DLA cutoff of 428 U/L corresponding to sensitivity of 65% and specificity of 63%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Increased DLA is associated with emergency revisits in dogs with CP, possibly reflecting acute flare‐ups. DGGR‐lipase activity was associated with the CPCSS over the follow‐ups but could not differentiate disease severity.