what causes low amylase levels in dogs

An amylase test measures the amount of amylase in blood or urine (pee). This is because with EPI theres undigested food passing through the intestine. Diseases of the pancreas most commonly cause elevated amylase and lipase, although other disorders may lead to abnormally increased blood levels of these enzymes. American Journey Healthy Weight Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe. An amylase test measures the amount of amylase in blood or urine (pee). Dehydration and electrolyte (salt) imbalance causes affected dogs to be lethargic or weak. Your pets blood glucose level, blood calcium, phosphorus& cholesterol, BUN, creatinine, ALT, AP, all of which are included in the general blood chemistry request. This is often temporary. It can help digest proteins and stimulate intestinal enzymes. In healthy geriatric dogs, blood creatinine is similar to that observed in young adults. Low levels have been linked to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes. 2004. High levels indicate bile duct obstruction, Cushings, liver disease, certain cancers and may be due to certain drugs such as steroids or phenobarbital. This type of probiotic forms spores that will help the probiotics arrive intact at the large intestine and colon so they wont feed the bacteria in the small intestine like other probiotics. BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen and is the primary end product of protein metabolism. Veterinarian Dr PJ Broadfoot said in a 2018 paper: Supplemental enzymes are needed to replace those destroyed by cooking and processing food. What he meant, in plainer English, was that we use up the enzymes our bodies make. Phosphorus..5.6 mg/dl(2.5-6.2) - Fast heartbeat. Amylase breaks down dietary starch, and lipase aids in the digestion of dietary fats. A rapidly falling cPLI value, together with improvement in the dog's condition, indicates a good response to treatment. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. For severe cases of pancreatitis, your dog may be hospitalized for up to 2 weeks. Digestive enzymes can also relieve SIBO symptoms. Digestive enzymes help pets digest and assimilate food betterany food.. Chloride.104 mEq/l(10-118) Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) or creatinine kinase (CK) value elevations. Amylase values peak at 12-48 hours and are normal within 8-14 days after a bout of pancreatitis in dogs. What causes low white blood cell count in dogs? % With its brightly-colored and nutrient-dense flesh, the pumpkin is a great food option for a dog with pancreatitis. Determining the cause of hypoalbuminemia is vital for effective treatment. Creatinine.0.8 mg/dl(0.4-1.2) Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Independence America Holdings Corp. All Rights Reserved. Give regular exercise anddont over-vaccinate! 2001 Sep;183(18):5385-5394. High blood cholesterol levels. Injury of pancreatic acinar cells (most commonly from pancreatitis) may increase serum amylase, and about 60% of dogs with renal failure also have increased levels. Cystic fibrosis. What foods should dogs with pancreatitis avoid? Body weight: Blood creatinine increases with the body weight in dogs. Symptoms of pancreatitis may include nausea, sweating and weakness. Potassium (K)..5.2 mEq/l(4.4-6.1) Hubert Drew is a passionate writer and blogger who runs the popular blog "TheFaithfulDog". Serum amylase and lipase activities have long been considered markers for canine pancreatitis, but several studies show that they have low sensitivity and specificity. Pancreatitis can also have other causes, including certain medications and some viral or bacterial infections. Xiu-an Zhan et al. Is pumpkin OK for dogs with pancreatitis? While high values of these enzymes can be found in dogs with pancreatitis, the tests have not proven reliable and are no longer considered the tests of choice for diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs. Increases have also been reported in GI disease, hepatic disease and some neoplasias (lymphoma, haemangiosarcoma). Here are several possible causes for a drop in blood albumin levels in dogs: Malnutrition. F more than 3 times the temperature that kills enzymes! Serum Amylase and Lipase Activities. The use of antibiotics can also treat elevated ALP in dogs. Low levels indicate vomiting and diarrhea, gastrointestinal cancer, insulin overdose, Cushing's disease, overuse of diuretics and starvation. Try lean meats, beans and lentils, clear soups, and dairy alternatives (such as flax milk and almond milk). Among other supplements,your dogs inflamed pancreas needs digestive enzymes. Yes, a dog that is suffering from pancreatitis might drink a lot of water, which can actually help him. High levels indicate an acidic condition and can be due to kidney failure, vomiting, dehydration or overuse of diuretics. What causes a dog to have a low temperature? Many dog owners want to know if eggs are an acceptable food to offer dogs with pancreatitis. Clinicians should not ignore low serum pancreatic enzyme values. It helps with digestion of proteins. Low blood albumin can occur because of a loss of protein due to damage in the intestines or in the urine because of kidney disease, or the lack of production of it due to liver damage. This creates poor gut health, which can cause systemic inflammation and chronic disease. Since cats are obligate carnivores, amylase plays a reduced role in their digestion. The signs of chronic pancreatitis include: When pancreatitis is chronic, thesesymptoms may come and go. 41,46 In one study, approximately 50% of dogs with increased activity of either serum amylase or lipase activity had no histopathologic evidence . And that raw food contains live enzymes. The amylase level in your pets bloodstream changes rapidly (hour by hour). What else can I do to help? A pancreas-specific lipaseis a form of lipase produced only in the pancreas. Published 2017 Apr 18. High levels indicate kidney disease, dietary imbalance, excess ingestion of vitamin D and severe tissue trauma. ALKP (alkaline phosphatase)65 U/l(20-70) Abnormal levels of amylase may indicate pancreatitis or another problem with the pancreas.. A note from Cleveland Clinic. Edward J Hall MA VetMB PhD DECVIM-CA. Low levels indicate dietary imbalance, certain cancers, overdose of insulin, diabetes, eclampsia and an overactive parathyroid gland. The resulting fragments are completely hydrolyzed to p-nitrophenol and glucose by -glucosidase. New Jersey: Avery Publishing Group, 1985. Low serum amylase is also associated with insulin deficiency in patients with type 1 diabetes and, less commonly, with type 2 diabetes [1013], as well as the pathogenesis of insulin resistance in obese animal models [14, 15]. Feeding raw pancreas also helps with EPI. 2017;6:e12. High amylase can be due to issues with the salivary glands or the pancreas, which produce this enzyme. What are the symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs? So if your dogs body makes all these digestive enzymes, why would he need supplements? Understanding the biochemical profile can be difficult but reveals a wealth of information. Oozing sores on the skin. Phosphorus is often associated with calcium. If the gallbladder isnt working efficiently, your dog wont have enough bile in his digestive system to break down fats. This usually will not occur until more than 90% of the exocrine pancreas has become nonfunctional. Medications that might increase amylase level in your pet include metronidazole (Flagyl) and the diuretic, furosemide (Lasix). excess protein in the urine shown by a urine test. - pancreatic cysts or sores. These things give the pancreas a rest. Innovative Veterinary Care. A low amylase level may suggest a pancreas, liver or kidney problem, or cystic fibrosis. How can I comfort my dog with pancreatitis at home? Hamburger meat can be purchased 96 percent lean, which will have the least amount of fat. Hi there and thank you for using PetCoach to address your concern. So a digestive enzyme containing cellulase is a must to ease your dogs digestion. So never add themto hot food. Twenty of the most common tests are listed. Low levels Summary An amylase blood test measures the amount of amylase in a person's blood. These include, Skin problems including eczema, psoriasis, allergic reactions, dermatitis, etc. By comparison, serum lipase can come from tissues other than the pancreas, and high blood values can occur with conditions other than pancreatitis. Structural changes in neutrophils may occur during severe inflammation and are referred to as toxic changes. Bisphosphonates assist in lowering serum calcium by reducing the number and action of osteoclasts. Save my name & email in this browser for the next Hyperparathyroidism. <> What causes amylase levels to rise? Albumin needs to be properly balanced; this is required to keep fluid from . Causes of High Globulin Levels in Dogs. Lack of digestive enzymes leads to lack of nutrients. Albumin..2.9 gm/dl(2.6-4) And that means your dog needs digestive enzymes! Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. And that means stronger immune function and disease resistance and less chronic health problems.. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Bacterial infections. A low amylase level may suggest a pancreas, liver or kidney problem, or cystic fibrosis. Amylase is filtered by renal tubules and resorbed (inactivated) by tubular epithelium. Parada J, Aguilera JM. Glucose..117 mcg/dl(80-120) That is because the compound has as very short lifespan. This means that the pet becomes sick after a meal of something very rich and fatty. When your dogs body absorbs nutrients better, hell benefit from better digestive health. The stability of amylase in human serum, plasma, and urine samples are as follows: 30 days at 2 8 C, 7 days at 20 25 C. AST is important in the breakdown and elimination of nitrogen. When these rates are above normal, characterizing a high amylase, this may mean a sign of inflammation, a possible disease in the pancreas or salivary glands. How long does it take a dog to recover from pancreatitis? Hello everyone I took my dog to her check up at the vet and they ran a blood test. They may not be as severe as acute pancreatitis. Low amylase levels can indicate: Chronic pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that gets worse over time and can cause permanent damage.Chronic pancreatitis is most commonly caused by heavy alcohol consumption. Acute pancreatitis can cause amylase levels to become four to six times higher . In severe cases it can lead to starvation, because your dog cant absorb nutrients. Hydration helps with pancreas recovery [78, 79]. One reason for an enzyme deficiency is your dogs diet. Is ham toxic to dogs? People with EPI don't have enough pancreatic (digestive) enzymes to break down foods and absorb nutrients. This means the cause of elevated creatinine levels in dogs is also the cause of kidney damage. But if the gallbladder doesnt produce enough bile, giving ox bile can provide it. Archived post. High levels indicate certain forms of cancer, Addisons disease, excess intake of vitamin D and an overactive parathyroid gland. Can dogs recover from pancreatitis on their own? And over time, this can cause an enzyme deficiency. In some cases, a low amylase level in the blood is due to a great intake of carbohydrates. It separates sugar into glucose and fructose, which helps with digestion of starchy carbohydrates. Routine blood tests, including a Complete Blood Count and Biochemistry Profile (see handouts: "Complete Blood Count" and "Serum Biochemistry"), typically reveal abnormalities that are suggestive of pancreatitis. Doc says he would like 290. High levels indicate muscle trauma or damage such as due to seizures, surgery, bruises, inflammation, nutritional and degenerative diseases. How do I stop my dog from being scared of strangers? A low amylase level may suggest a pancreas, liver or kidney problem, or cystic fibrosis. Buy Digest now >>. Note that amylase concentrations are often higher in ascitic fluid than in blood in animals with pancreatitis (or intestinal disease). Vaccination is a big factor in inflammatory conditions. But if he gets any gas or loose stools at first, just reduce the dose a little until his body adjusts to the new digestive support. Youll notice the gallbladder in that list. Causes Of Most Abnormal Blood & Urine Tests. Most dogs recover without any long-term consequences. So if you see these symptoms regularly, talk to your holistic vet. Other Digestive And Malabsorption IssuesDigestive enzymes can also help with several other digestive and malabsorption issues. Amylase is an enzyme produced primarily by the pancreas and the salivary glands to help digest carbohydrates. Liver disease. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. What cause low enzymes? Liver disease. A low amylase level may suggest a pancreas, liver or kidney problem, or cystic fibrosis. Calcium is a mineral found throughout the body. In addition to running his blog, Hubert is also an avid reader and enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring the beauty of nature. Meats high in fat such as lamb and pork should be avoided. What do low levels of amylase and lipase mean? ok. i was just concerned because we took her to a different vet about 6 days . These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. How do I know if my dog has an electrolyte imbalance? Because the blood amylase level can fluctuate so widely, the significance of the value your veterinarian obtains in a single test can be quite hard for him/her to interpret. can all lower your dogs ability to make its own enzymes. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. However, a lower than normal ALT level could indicate a vitamin B6 deficiency or chronic kidney disease. And if your dog has EPI, its best to moisten any pancreatic enzymes you give. Although amylase is a sensitive indicator of acute pancreatitis, it is not specific as it can be elevated in several conditions unrelated to the pancreas. Especially in view of the highly processed diet that most of our pets are eating, this implies that most healthy adult dogs and cats can benefit from a digestive enzyme supplement. This rapid pet-side test takes only a few minutes and can indicate whether pancreatitis could be the cause of a pets illness. Low levels indicate a basic condition of the blood and can be due to starvation, kidney failure (can also cause acidosis), diarrhea and poor liver function. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. - gallbladder attacks. Amylase is a calcium dependent enzyme which hydrolyzes complex carbohydrates at alpha 1,4-linkages to form maltose and glucose. What happens if amylase is low? A range of health issues can cause hypoalbuminemia. High levels indicate kidney failure or disease, dehydration, shock, high protein diet, certain toxin ingestions, poor circulation to the kidneys and urinary obstruction. First,the pancreas creates most of the digestive enzymes your dog needs. Nutrition and Chronic Liver Disease,Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. The concentration of amylase is measured in U/L (conventional units) andkat/L (SI units). J Bacteriol. Low levels indicate intestinal absorption problems, liver disease, Addisons disease, severe burns and losses through the kidneys. By CO2 indicates the current acid balance of the body and is the end product of metabolism. Theyre also full of nutrients such as iron and calcium, along with essential vitamins. Dogs with EPI often develop small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Do dogs with pancreatitis drink a lot of water? These causes may include: Likewise, amylase is a non-specific enzyme that can be elevated in a variety of organ disorders, and even remain normal in dogs with documented . Hydrochloric acid is produced in the digestive tract, where it creates pepsin an enzyme that breaks down protein. Following pancreatic damage, serum values of amylase and pancreatic lipase increased rapidly in the 8 dogs and ran parallel to each other in 6 of the 8 dogs studied. So, raw feeders, dont stop reading! Top Companion Anim Med. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Biofilm Formation by the Fungal PathogenCandida albicans: Development, Architecture, and Drug Resistance. When the pancreas is damaged, these digestive enzymes can be found in the blood at higher levels than normal. Visiting the products that you see displayed on this website help pay the cost of keeping these articles on the Internet. Some of the most common causes of the syndrome include: Liver failure: The liver manufactures albumin. An amylase test measures the amount of amylase in blood or urine (pee). Small amounts of amylase are also produced in your pets intestines and liver; but most amylase that finds its way into your pets blood stream originates from its pancreas. Albumin levels below 3.4 grams per deciliter (g/dL) are considered low. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Heavy bleeding. Thus, whats left of the food mass enters the small intestine largely undigested. Chronic pancreatitis can progress into diabetes or EPI. Pancreas-specific lipase is measured with a test calledCanine Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity, known simply ascPLI. Please support the hard working holistic vets who make this information possible. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. But dogs dont naturally make much amylase, because in the wild, they wouldnt eat starchy foods. But because of modern diets, thats not always the case. Low levels indicate liver disease or starvation. A fasting sample is preferred, but it is not essential for the accuracy of the test. 222-232 (68 ref.). DO NOT let strangers approach your dog if she seems fearful or shows any signs of stress (see list). Normal values are listed in parentheses and vary from lab to lab and those listed should not be considered universal. What causes elevated BUN levels in dogs? Dogs that get into garbage can develop pancreatitis. EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency)EPI is a serious condition that stops your dogs pancreas from producing digestive enzymes. Obstruction of the biliary or pancreatic tract. Enzyme DeficiencyDr Edward Howellpioneered digestive enzyme research in the early 20thcentury. Briefly, blood amylase can be elevated by: Acute or chronic pancreatitis. Low Levels Commonly diagnosed conditions associated with low lipase levels in dogs include diabetes, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure levels, vitamin deficiency, pancreatitis, kidney diseases, fatty liver disease and other such health conditions that are caused by reduced digestion of fats. Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs Diet, particularly high fat diets. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. High levels have been associated with seizures in schnauzers. She has the same appetite, normal bowels, and same energy levels (maybe a bit more high energy due to the cold. This will help confirm the diagnosis of pancreatitis and provide a starting point or baseline that can be used to monitor the pets progress after treatment has been started. Digestive Enzymes In Dogs And Cats. These enzymes are responsible for many crucial parts of the liver function. Merck Veterinary Manual, June 2020. She's on the Board of Playing Again Sams (Wisconsin Samoyed Rescue) where she enjoys helping adopters and group members choose natural health care options for their dogs. Low levels indicate liver disease or starvation. Malabsorption Syndromes In Small Animals. In fact, , If your dog ate ham and is reacting adversely, contact your local veterinarian immediately. References High levels indicate kidney failure or disease, dehydration, shock, certain toxin ingestions, poor circulation to the kidneys and urinary obstruction. Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). In dogs with low levels of albumin (hypoalbuminemia), the biochemistry profile will show levels of albumin and disturbances in calcium levels. Again, diarrhea and vomiting can cause low sodium levels and so can . Watson P.Chronic pancreatitis in dogs. A low amylase level may suggest a pancreas, liver or kidney problem, or cystic fibrosis. Malabsorptive syndromes have been studied in most detail in dogs, but basic diagnostic and therapeutic principles are relevant to other species. Large muscle mass may explain moderately increased blood creatinine concentration. Let the moistened powder sit for 20-60 minutes before feeding. Low levels indicate vomiting and diarrhea, gastrointestinal cancer, insulin overdose, Cushing's disease, overuse of diuretics and starvation. If an amylase test finds too much amylase in your blood or urine, it may indicate a pancreas disorder or other health condition. And papain is anti-parasitic, so can help your dog eliminate worms. An abnormal level of amylase can indicate a health problem, particularly a problem with the pancreas. Well there are some health issues that need support from extra digestive enzymes. High levels are not as important as in people. It can also be moderately increased when chronic kidney disease is present particularly in cats. Research shows betaine boosts digestive enzymes as well as intestinal microbiota. or hemolyzed samples (= red blood cells damaged during collection) can result in a falsely elevated amylase reading. Studies have demonstrated that cPLI has a high degree of accuracy in diagnosing canine pancreatitis. Thank you! What causes low red blood cell count in dogs? What does it mean if my alanine transaminase (ALT) is low? 2018;10:907. J Nutr Sci. Digestive enzymes arent the only enzymes your dogs body makes but theyre some of the most important ones for his health. Elevated levels can indicate pancreatitis or renal damage. Hi, Im Cara. The prognosis and survival rate for dogs with mild to moderate pancreatitis is good. Bile also helps with blood sugar metabolism and elimination of waste products in the body. Low levels can indicate malnutrition or starvation. The level of amylase increases during various conditions such as chronic and acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, kidney infection, and ectopic pregnancy. The half-life of amylase (as determined from sequential decreases in sick horses over time) appears to be around 4 0.7 hours in horses, which is shorter than that of lipase (approximately 11 hours) (Johnson et al 2019). Increased ALT Levels in a Dog. An abnormal level of amylase can indicate a health problem, particularly a problem with the pancreas. 2002 Nov-Dec;35(5):391-397. Well not always. High levels indicate stress, Cushings disease, diabetes, pancreatitis or can be due to certain medications. High levels indicate dehydration, inflammation, chronic infection and certain cancers. That can be from a wide variety of liver diseases: In cats, cholangiohepatitis (triad disease) is a common cause. Make sure you are hydrated (unless instructed otherwise). These results suggest a pancreatic exocrine-endocrine relationship in certain clinical conditions. However, the changes are not unique to the disease and do not give a definitive diagnosis. The vet will most likely suggest this as well but its important to feed your dog a bland diet during the first one or two weeks of recovery. The normal levels of creatinine in a dog are 0.6 to 1.3. GGT is also important in nitrogen metabolism and is found within liver cells. As far as you know, the foods going in one end and out the other, so everythings fine, right? Fluoride 2005;38 (3):215-219, Research report 215. Copyright 1999 - 2023. Low levels indicate starvation or malnutrition. High levels indicate muscle damage, heart muscle damage, liver damage, toxin ingestion, inflammation and various metabolic disorders. Calcium.9.6 mg/dl(9.4-11.6) Antihistamines, but only under the supervision of your vet. ALT is also important in the metabolism of nitrogen and is most often associated with the liver. Severe gastroenteritis Perforated ulcer. The main symptoms involved in the high amylase problem are progressive pain in the upper abdomen, radiated pain in the back, nausea and vomiting, gas, hiccup, swelling and tenderness in . For the first 24 hours, your vet may recommend no food or water, or may continue to give your pet food. So, after 2-3 days, the level of ALT that has increased due to hepatic injury starts to decrease. In the meantime, feed your dog a healthy diet and keep him lean. Giving your dog IV fluids is also a common practice for pancreatitis. Amylase is secreted by the pancreas and is important in normal digestion of starch. - diabetic ketoacidosis. Thats when they break down the various food components so your dogs body can absorb them. A note from Cleveland Clinic. However these enzymes can be increased in non-pancreatic disease, and dogs with confirmed pancreatitis may also have normal amylase and lipase activity. Its important for digestive health. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. What causes high amylase levels in dogs? Protein losing . In dogs, glucocorticoids (endogenous or exogenous) induce an isoenzyme in the liver (C -ALP) that contributes to serum increases In cats, the hepatic isoenzyme has such a short half life that even minor increases are considered significant. Raw honey, for instance, contains diastase (amylase), esterase, catalase, glucose oxidase, invertase and other enzymes that support digestion. However, acute gastroenteritis has not been widely recognized as a cause for hyperamylasemia. Serum amylase and/or lipase levels below the normal serum range are highly specific for chronic pancreatitis patients. Read also Do chilli plants need a lot of water? Sadly in these cases euthanasia may be the kindest option to prevent suffering.. For milder cases, your dog will need to be in the hospital anywhere from 2 to 4 days. Chronic pancreatitis is most often caused by heavy alcohol use. span I comment. In cats, alendronate is the most common oral preparation used to control idiopathic hypercalcemia. Pancreatic insufficiency and a number of chronic small-intestinal diseases cause malabsorption by interfering with one or several of these processes. If the tumor or cyst is causing the problem, the surgical removal of the tumors and cysts is necessary. In cats, one needs to also consider hepatic lipidosis. My love for dogs began at the age of 4 when my first family pet was a black lab named Dallas who was most definitely not trained to do tricks! Betaine HCLBetaine HCL is a natural form of hydrochloric acid. gX^b"Bu,rz0,('K7Q15v(},iSN%% ;mw"b-=l*krP%`f 8c[':[K |7T65/&La 6EE.e+D#Fzdqz+*`w 0ue 0*[ However, corticosteroid medications given when your dog or cat arrives in critical condition at an emergency clinic or pet hospital, has been known to lower amylase readings. Wang, H.; Li, S.; Fang, S.; Yang, X.; Feng, J.Betaine Improves Intestinal Functions by Enhancing Digestive Enzymes, Ameliorating Intestinal Morphology, and Enriching Intestinal Microbiota in High-salt stressed Rats. Any combination of abdominal pain, severe vomiting and diarrhea, and complete loss of interest in eating for days to a week or more can be seen. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The pancreas is the organ that produces most digestive enzymes in your dog, so feeding pancreas supports and fortifies the pancreas. So cellulase can help break down the cellulose and remove the yeasts defenses. The test requires only a small blood sample. It carries various substances through the blood and is important in maintaining pressure within the vessels. Solid Gold Fit and Fabulous Grain-Free Weight Control Dry Food. You can add a little water or broth if needed. These include excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme tiredness (fatigue), and weight loss. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. When he's not writing or caring for Bella, Hubert can often be found hiking in the nearby forests or spending time at the beach. S1_R\r.j~+FA.`tqiFz6lr&G%QjEr_GpQi:c3sBc-"cv7k3M[o1l|>6c*F"CBarb]; I:5F7C2 q%uQYVUC~ Julia Henriques is Managing Editor of Dogs Naturally Magazine. Can amylase be elevated without pancreatitis? Epub 2012 Jun 23. The cPLI is currently considered the best blood test available for diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs. Symptoms of Lack of Digestive Enzymes in Dogs Chronic diarrhea One study done in 1980 of mostly male veterans found a 62% mortality rate in a subset of 50 inpatients with albumin levels 2.0 g/dL,31 but more definitive data are lacking.