Serum lipase concentration is of limited value in detecting pancreatitis in cats. This analyte is not specific for pancreatitis and in most documented cases of spontaneously occurring feline pancreatitis, serum lipase concentration is not elevated. For these reasons, serum lipase will no longer be offered on feline biochemical profiles. Lipase measurement will continue to be available as an Add-on test in cats, although the feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) assay is a much more specific and sensitive test for feline pancreatitis. Lipase concentration will remain a standard analyte on all canine biochemical profiles.

Beginning on December 1st, Antech will provide at no additional charge, the corrected calcium value on all canine chemistry profiles that include both calcium and albumin levels.

The corrected calcium value is helpful in identifying cases of hypercalcemia with concurrent hypoalbuminemia, because in many such cases, the measured total calcium level falls within the normal reference range. However, once this calcium level is corrected for the degree of hypoalbuminemia, the end-result becomes an elevated calcium value. The formula for correction is: calcium level measured (mg/dL) + [3.5 - albumin level (g/dL)] = corrected calcium value (mg/dL). Both the measured and corrected calcium values will appear on the patient's report.