Investigation of Gastrointestinal Disorders and Pancreatitis
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Exam:
TLI (Feline)
Test description: Serum assay for cat-specific trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI).
Comments: Gold standard test for the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in cats.
- Sample type: Serum
- Species: Felidae
- Recommended volume: 0.7 mL
- Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
- Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap, without a gel separator
- Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Rejection Criteria: Hemolyzed, lipemic, or insufficient sample volume
SHIPPING
Follow the step-by-step instructions in our Pocket Guide.
- Low TLI levels confirm FIP in cats, a disease frequently associated with weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and malabsorption.
- Intermediate values should be interpreted with caution, as they may indicate an early stage of the disease; repeat testing or further evaluation of cobalamin and folate is recommended.
TEST METHOD
Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
Exam:
TLI (Canine)
Test description: Serum assay for trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) specific to dogs.
Comments: The test of choice for diagnosing exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in dogs.
- Sample type: Serum
- Species: Canine
- Recommended volume: 0.7 mL
- Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
- Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap, without a gel separator
- Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Rejection Criteria: Hemolyzed, lipemic, or insufficient sample volume
SHIPPING
Follow the step-by-step instructions in our Pocket Guide.
- Low serum TLI levels confirm IPE in dogs, a condition often associated with weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and polyphagia.
- Borderline values call for caution, as they may indicate the onset of pancreatic dysfunction; repeat testing or assessment of cobalamin and folate levels is recommended.
TEST METHOD
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA).
Exam:
Vitamin B12
Test description: Serum cobalamin (vitamin B12) level, essential for cellular metabolism and the integrity of the intestinal mucosa.
Comments: Indicated for the evaluation of intestinal malabsorption, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), and chronic enteropathies.
- Sample type: Serum
- Species: Canine, Feline
- Recommended volume: 0.7 mL
- Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
- Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap, without a gel separator
- Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Rejection Criteria: Hemolyzed, lipemic, or insufficient sample volume
SHIPPING
Follow the step-by-step instructions in our Pocket Guide.
- Low values: associated with ileal malabsorption, chronic enteropathies, or IPE.
- High values: may occur in cases of supplementation, liver disease, or cancer.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and stunted growth.
TEST METHOD
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA).
Exam:
Folic Acid
Test description: Serum folic acid measurement; folic acid is absorbed primarily in the proximal small intestine.
Comments: Helps assess intestinal absorption and differentiate between types of enteropathy.
- Sample type: Serum
- Species: Canine, Feline
- Recommended volume: 0.7 mL
- Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
- Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap, without a gel separator
- Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Rejection Criteria: Hemolyzed, lipemic, or insufficient sample volume
SHIPPING
Follow the step-by-step instructions in our Pocket Guide.
- Low values: may indicate a disease of the proximal intestine.
- High values: may occur in cases of excessive bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
- The results should be interpreted in conjunction with vitamin B12 levels.
TEST METHOD
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA).
Exam:
Vitamin B12 + Folic Acid
Test description: A serum panel that simultaneously measures cobalamin (B12) and folic acid.
Comments: Indicated for the investigation of chronic enteropathies, intestinal malabsorption, and IPE, allowing for the differentiation of affected regions of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Sample type: Serum
- Species: Canine, Feline
- Optimal volume: 1.0 mL
- Minimum volume: 0.7 mL
- Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap, without a gel separator
- Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Rejection Criteria: Hemolyzed, lipemic, or insufficient sample volume
SHIPPING
Follow the step-by-step instructions in our Pocket Guide.
- Low B12 + normal/low folate: ileal malabsorption or IPE.
- Normal B12 + low folate: disease of the proximal intestine.
- High folate: may indicate bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
- The results should be incorporated into the patient's medical history and additional tests.
TEST METHOD
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA).
Exam:
Vitamin B12 + Folic Acid + TLI
Test description: Comprehensive panel for dogs that combines TLI, cobalamin (B12), and folic acid.
Comments: Comprehensive test for the evaluation of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and associated gastrointestinal disorders, including malabsorption and SIBO.
- Sample type: Serum
- Species: Canine
- Recommended volume: 1.5 mL
- Minimum volume: 1.0 mL
- Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap, without a gel separator
- Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Rejection Criteria: Hemolyzed, lipemic, or insufficient sample volume
SHIPPING
Follow the step-by-step instructions in our Pocket Guide.
- Low TLI: diagnosis of PE.
- Low B12: suggests ileal malabsorption or a deficiency secondary to PE.
- Low folate: proximal intestinal disease.
- High folate levels: possible small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
The panel provides a comprehensive overview of pancreatic function and intestinal absorption status.
TEST METHOD
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA).
Exam:
IGF-1
Test description: Serum measurement of insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1) in cats.
Comments: Test used to diagnose acromegaly in cats, a condition generally associated with severe insulin resistance and difficult-to-control diabetes mellitus.
- Sample type: Serum
- Species: Canine and Feline
- Recommended volume: 0.7 mL
- Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
- Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap, without a gel separator
- Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Rejection Criteria: Hemolyzed, lipemic, or insufficient sample volume
SHIPPING
Follow the step-by-step instructions in our Pocket Guide.
- High values: strongly suggestive of acromegaly in diabetic cats.
- The interpretation should be performed in conjunction with the patient’s medical history, signs of insulin resistance, insulin levels, and imaging studies (e.g., CT scans, MRI).
TEST METHOD
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA).
Exam:
Gastrin
Test description: Serum gastrin assay; gastrin is a hormone produced by the G cells of the stomach and responsible for regulating gastric acid secretion.
Comments: Indicated for the investigation of gastrinoma (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome), gastric hypersecretion, and evaluation of refractory ulcers.
- Sample type: Serum
- Species: Canine, Feline
- Optimal volume: 1.0 mL
- Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
- Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap, without a gel separator
- Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Rejection Criteria: Hemolyzed, lipemic, or insufficient sample volume
SHIPPING
Follow the step-by-step instructions in our Pocket Guide.
- High values: suggest a possible gastrinoma, gastric hypersecretion, or the use of proton pump inhibitors.
- It should always be interpreted in conjunction with the patient’s medical history, signs of gastrointestinal disease, and imaging studies.
Test Method
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA).
Exam:
Canine Insulin Hormone (Insulinoma and Insulin Resistance)
Test description: A proprietary test by Hormonalle, developed and validated for the serum measurement of canine insulin using Magnetic Immunoassay (PMI).
Comments: The method was scientifically validated and presented at the ACVIM Forum 2025, demonstrating a high correlation with the gold standard Radioimmunoassay (RIA) (r=0.98; p=0.47), maintaining diagnostic accuracy with fast and reliable results in Brazil.
- Sample type: Serum
- Species: Canine
- Recommended volume: 0.7 mL
- Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
- Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap, without a gel separator
- Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Rejection Criteria: Hemolyzed, lipemic, or insufficient sample volume
Shipping
Please check Hormonalle’s domestic shipping policies in advance to ensure optimal delivery times.
- Hypoglycemia + high insulin: suggestive of an insulinoma.
- High insulin levels with normal/high blood glucose: may indicate insulin resistance.
- The results should always be interpreted in conjunction with blood glucose levels and clinical signs.
Test Method
Magnetic Immunoassay (PMI) – exclusive Hormonalle technology, validated and presented at ACVIM 2025.
Exam:
Canine Insulin (2 samples – Basal and Postprandial)
Test description: Two-time point (T0 and T1) serum canine insulin assay by PMI for dynamic assessment of the secretory response.
Comments: Validated and presented at the ACVIM Forum 2025, this protocol is indicated for investigating insulin resistance and changes in the postprandial response.
- Sample type: Serum
- Species: Canine
- Optimal volume: 0.7 mL per cycle
- Minimum volume: 0.5 mL per cycle
- Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap, without a gel separator
- Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Rejection Criteria: Incompatible sample, missing time stamps
Submit
Follow the Pocket Guide, clearly identifying T0 (basal) and T1 (postprandial).
- Excessive postprandial insulin: suggests insulin resistance.
- Abnormal or missing responses: may indicate metabolic disorders.
- The interpretation should include a simultaneous assessment of blood glucose levels and the patient’s clinical condition.
Test Method
Magnetic Immunoassay (PMI) – exclusive Hormonalle technology, validated and presented at ACVIM 2025.
Exam:
Canine Insulin + Glucose
Test description: Panel combining serum canine insulin (PMI) and glucose levels.
Comments: Validated by Hormonalle and presented at the ACVIM Forum 2025, this panel provides an integrated assessment of insulin secretion and glucose metabolism, making it essential for the diagnosis of insulinoma and insulin resistance.
- Sample type: Serum
- Species: Canine
- Optimal volume: 1.0 mL
- Minimum volume: 0.7 mL
- Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap, without a gel separator
- Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Rejection Criteria: Hemolyzed, lipemic, or insufficient sample volume
SHIPPING
Follow the step-by-step instructions in our Pocket Guide.
- Hypoglycemia + high insulin: strongly suggestive of an insulinoma.
- High insulin levels with normal/high blood glucose: associated with insulin resistance.
- The panel provides an integrated view, improving diagnostic reliability.
Test Method
Magnetic Immunoassay (PMI) – exclusive Hormonalle technology, validated and presented at ACVIM 2025.
Exam:
Insulin – 1 Sample – (Fasting or Postprandial)
Test description: Serum insulin measurement by Radioimmunoassay (RIA) in a single sample, which may be collected either fasting or postprandially.
Comments: Useful for evaluating hyperinsulinemia, investigating insulin resistance, and aiding in the diagnosis of metabolic disorders.
- Sample type: Serum
- Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
- Optimal volume: 1.0 mL
- Minimum volume: 0.8 mL
- Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap, without a gel separator
- Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Rejection Criteria: Hemolyzed, lipemic, or insufficient sample volume
SHIPPING
Follow the step-by-step instructions in our Pocket Guide.
- Elevated fasting insulin: suggests insulin resistance or an insulinoma (if associated with hypoglycemia).
- Excessive postprandial insulin: indicates possible glucose intolerance or insulin resistance.
- It should be interpreted in conjunction with blood glucose levels, nutritional status, and clinical signs.
Test Method
Radioimmunoassay (RIA).
Exam:
Insulin + Glucose
Test description: An integrated panel that simultaneously measures serum insulin (by RIE) and glucose.
Comments: Test indicated for the investigation of persistent hypoglycemia, insulinoma, and insulin resistance, providing a combined view of pancreatic secretion and glucose metabolism.
- Sample type: Serum
- Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
- Recommended volume: 1.5 mL
- Minimum volume: 1.0 mL
- Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap, without a gel separator
- Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Rejection Criteria: Hemolyzed, lipemic, or insufficient sample volume
SHIPPING
Follow the step-by-step instructions in our Pocket Guide.
- Hypoglycemia + high insulin: consistent with an insulinoma.
- High insulin + normal/high glucose: suggests insulin resistance.
- It should be interpreted in conjunction with the patient's medical history, nutritional status, and additional tests.
Test Method
Radioimmunoassay (RIA).
Exam:
INSULIN – 2 SAMPLES (BASAL AND POSTPRANDIAL – RIE)
Test description: Measurement of fasting and postprandial serum insulin levels to assess the pancreatic response to food intake.
Comments: Indicated for the investigation of insulinoma, insulin resistance, pancreatic hypoglycemia, and functional assessment of the glucose-insulin axis. The first sample (basal) should be collected after an adequate fast.
The second sample (postprandial) should be collected according to clinical protocol, generally 1 to 2 hours after a meal. Concomitant glucose measurement is recommended for proper interpretation of the glucose-to-insulin ratio.
- Sample type: Serum
- Species: Canine, Feline
- Optimal volume: 0.7 mL per cycle
- Minimum volume: 0.5 mL per cycle
- Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap.
- Rejection Criteria: Samples without identification of the time of collection (fasting or postprandial), hemolyzed samples, samples with marked lipemia, or samples with insufficient volume
- Recommended fasting period: 8–12 hours for baseline testing
High insulin with low glucose: Suggests hyperinsulinism (e.g., insulinoma).
Elevated insulin with normal or elevated glucose: May indicate insulin resistance.
Insulin levels that appear normal despite the presence of hypoglycemia: Does not rule out insulinoma and should be interpreted with caution.
* Interpretation should always take into account the concurrent glucose level, clinical presentation, and additional tests.
Test Method
Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
Exam:
vitamin A
Test description: Serum Vitamin A (retinol) measurement to assess nutritional status and investigate disorders related to deficiency or excess.
Comments: Recommended for the evaluation of dermatological, immunological, reproductive, and growth-related changes.
It may aid in the investigation of intestinal malabsorption syndromes, liver diseases, and unbalanced diets. Hypervitaminosis A should also be considered in patients undergoing prolonged supplementation.
- Sample type: Serum
- Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
- Recommended volume: 0.7 mL
- Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
- Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap
Important note:
The sample must be protected from light and kept refrigerated until shipment.
Exam:
Vitamin E
Test description: Serum Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) measurement to assess the patient’s antioxidant and nutritional status.
Comments: Recommended for the investigation of neuromuscular disorders, inflammatory diseases, intestinal malabsorption syndromes, and conditions associated with oxidative stress.
Low levels may be related to liver, pancreatic, and intestinal diseases, while high levels are generally associated with supplementation.
- Sample type: Serum
- Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
- Recommended volume: 0.7 mL
- Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
- Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap
- Rejection Criteria: Severe hemolysis, marked lipemia, prolonged exposure to light, or insufficient volume
Important note:
The sample must be protected from light and kept refrigerated until shipment.
High insulin with low glucose: Suggests hyperinsulinism (e.g., insulinoma).
Elevated insulin with normal or elevated glucose: May indicate insulin resistance.
Insulin levels that appear normal despite the presence of hypoglycemia: Does not rule out insulinoma and should be interpreted with caution.
* Interpretation should always take into account the concurrent glucose level, clinical presentation, and additional tests.
Test Method
Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
Do you still have questions, or would you like to learn more about our exams?
Talk to one of our specialists and receive personalized technical guidance tailored to your clinical case.
