Serum isoamylase values in normal dogs and dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Estimations were made of the serum isoamylase values of normal dogs and of dogs with confirmed exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. A statistically significant difference was demonstrated between the two groups in respect of the values of one of the isoamylase fractions measured. Further study has confirmed that canine salivary tissue lacks amylase activity and that the source of the isoamylase fractions was the pancreas. This knowledge has potential value in the diagnosis of canine exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.