Quote:
Originally Posted by dottiesyrky  Thank you for your comments and for the link.
I agree that the snap and full cPL tests are not 100% conclusive, and other exams and tests have to be used to have a definitive diagnosis.
All I know is my own limited experience with my dog. When he got sick the vet did all the usual exams and tests and a snap cPL. This latter test showed that pancreatitis was likely and the full test showed a value of 399. The other indicators also supported a P diagnosis. After a couple of weeks of meds and prescription food, my dog seemed well again. The cPL test then came back at 93. So for my dog the cPL test seemed to be a good indication of pancreatitis, and I suppose I now have faith in it. I also feel that the snap test can be done quickly in the vet's office and can indicate the possibility of P without waiting for the full tests the next day or later. That is all I am saying, it can be a quick test and it worked for me. I did not feel the cost was that excessive as a first shot.
As for Annabel, I understood she had been diagnosed with P at first, but I do not know what tests resulted in that diagnosis. I again was only suggesting the test as it could it helpful, but of course the vet decides what tests to carry out to check on the progress of the disease.
I know that any info we give here can only be based on our own experience and is not to be taken as gospel. Most people go to vets but still ask here for the views that others here may have.
Hoping little Annabel feels better soon. |
The original vet was the emergency vet. They took her back to examine her while we were left sitting and waiting in the waiting room. When we got to talk to the vet, she said they did a general blood work up and maybe--I just can't remember because I was so stressed--a more specific test. She said something about the first number (of the two markers), which I also can't remember, but what I do remember was that the first number was so high they couldn't read it. She also said that Anna seemed to be very tender in the area of the pancreas and they thought she should stay and it likely would not be just one night. She said they could run the specific test for P but that would only tell them to look elsewhere. As I type this, this doesn't make much sense but I was scared and was looking to the expert for help. if she'd told me it would be helpful if I stood in the middle of the highway and tried to juggle, I probably would have done it.
I'm not as knowledgeable about the differences in blood tests, so I can't really address that.
The vet called and since she's kept the water, pills and potato down and the stool looks better and she's been playful, we're going to wait and see how she does, and tomorrow if she's still vomiting we'll take her to see him. He said we could give her Pepcid, and if it gets really bad, a "shot" for the vomiting. He said it could be that she ate too much for her and her stomach was distended which brought on the vomiting.