Repeated specific canine pancreatic lipase measurements do not identify multiple acquired portosystemic shunts in dogs after extrahepatic portosystemic shunt attenuation

BackgroundIn dogs with portal hypertension (PH), spec cPL is suggested to be increased despite normal pancreatic histology. After attenuation of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (cEHPSS), multiple acquired portosystemic shunt (MAPSS) can develop as consequence of sustained PH. Presence of MAPSS affects future therapeutic options and prognosis. ObjectiveEvaluate if spec cPL concentrations increase postoperatively in dogs that develop MAPSS and can thus serve as an indicator of PH. AnimalsTwenty-four dogs with cEHPSS. MethodsDogs classified according to surgical outcome after cEHPSS attenuation (8 with MAPSS [group M], 9 with closed cEHPSS [group C] and 7 with patent blood flow through the original cEHPSS, without evidence of MAPSS [group P]). Spec cPL was measured in preoperative samples (T0), 4 days (T1) and 1 (T2) and 3- to 6-months (T3) after surgery. ResultsSpec cPL was within reference interval (<200 & mu;g/L) at all timepoints except at T1. At T1, 2 dogs in group M (321 and >2000 & mu;g/L) and also 1 in group C (688 & mu;g/L) and 1 in group P (839 & mu;g/L) had increased spec cPL concentrations. No differences in spec cPL concentrations between groups or changes over time were identified. Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSpec cPL is not consistently increased in dogs that develop MAPSS after cEHPSS attenuation and has no potential as a biomarker for the identification of MAPSS after cEHPSS attenuation.