Introduction: The DGGR lipase assay has been well established as a highly reliable screening test for pancreatitis in the general canine population. The objective of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of this test for the diagnosis of concurrent pancreatitis in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF).

Methods: Medical records of dogs with CHF and with serum lipase measured using the DGGR assay were retrospectively evaluated. Serum lipase levels above 213 U/L were considered indicative of pancreatitis according to the reference values provided by the referral lab (Synlab, Belgium). The diagnosis of pancreatitis was confirmed or ruled out by the presence or absence of clinical signs that could be attributed to pancreatitis and by abnormal findings on pancreatic imaging (ultrasonography and/or computed tomography).

Results: Of 58 dogs with CHF, 17 dogs showed elevated serum lipase activity (mean: 379,5 U/L (239–927 U/L)). In 1 of these 17 dogs the diagnosis of pancreatitis was confirmed by the presence of clinical signs (reduced appetite, vomiting) and typical findings on pancreatic imaging. This dog also had the highest lipase level detected (927 U/L). None of the remaining 16 dogs showed signs indicative of pancreatitis on clinical examination or abdominal imaging. The sensitivity of the DGGR lipase assay in diagnosing pancreatitis in these dogs was 100%, the specificity was only 71,9%. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the test were respectively 5,9% and 100%.

Discussion: The DGGR lipase assay is highly sensitive in detecting pancreatitis in dogs with CHF but many false positives occur. This can probably be attributed to the pancreas’ sensitivity to hypotension and/or hypoperfusion which is often present with CHF. A potential solution could be a higher cut-off value. A negative result rules out the presence of concurrent pancreatitis in dogs with CHF.

Conclusion: Elevated serum lipase activity measured by the DGGR lipase assay should be interpreted with caution in dogs with CHF failure as false positive results may occur. Diagnosis of pancreatitis in these dogs should be confirmed by the presence of clinical signs and abnormal findings on abdominal imaging.