TLI (Trypsin-like immunoreactivity)

Serum TLI is the test of choice for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in both the dog and the cat. Serum is essential and the patient should be fasted for at least 6 hours but preferably, overnight. Acute pancreatitis produces marked increases, but it is important to sample the patient as early as possible, since serum activities decline as the disease progresses. TLI is excreted by the kidneys and activity may be increased 2-3 fold in azotaemic patients. This is not a definitive test for pancreatitis as the sensitivity of this test is low. Pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity is recommended for diagnosis of pancreatitis.

Increased TLI activity

• Pancreatitis (CPLi and FPLi are used for diagnosis)
• Reduced renal excretion

Decreased activity

• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Complementary tests

DGGR lipase, PLI, urea, creatinine and urine SG. In cats, triaditis (concurrent inflammation of pancreas, liver and small intestine) is more common than primary pancreatitis and in this species, vitamin B12 and folate may be appropriate.

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Authors & References

NationWide Laboratories