Lipase
Chemistry ·Also called: LIPA, LIP, pancreatic lipase, DGGR lipase, cPL, fPL
What it is
Lipase breaks down dietary fat. The pancreas is the main source, but other tissues make lipases too, and standard analysers cannot always tell them apart. Newer methods, including DGGR-lipase and the species-specific pancreatic lipase assays, are more selective.
Why your vet measures it
Pancreatitis is common, painful, and easily missed — especially in cats, where the signs are vague. Knowing which lipase test was run matters: a mildly raised general lipase means much less than a clearly raised species-specific pancreatic lipase.
What a high result can mean
- Pancreatitis, particularly when a species-specific test is markedly raised
- Reduced kidney function slowing clearance
- Steroid treatment, which can raise general lipase substantially
- Intestinal or liver disease near the pancreas
- Some abdominal tumours
What a low result can mean
- Not clinically significant
Dogs and cats differ
Cats with pancreatitis often show only quiet withdrawal and reduced appetite, with none of the vomiting and abdominal pain dogs display, so the fPL test carries more of the diagnostic weight in cats. In dogs, a normal cPL is good evidence against pancreatitis.
Questions worth asking your vet
- Which lipase test was run — general lipase, DGGR, or the specific cPL or fPL?
- Does my pet need abdominal imaging as well?
- Should the diet change to a low-fat one?
Related terms
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