Bile acids tests serve as valuable diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine, facilitating early detection and management of liver diseases to improve the prognosis and quality of life for affected dogs. These test for dogs involve assessing the concentrations of bile acids in the bloodstream, providing insights into liver function and bile flow dynamics. Bile acids are synthesized by the liver and play a vital role in fat digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. In dogs, bile acids are primarily produced in response to feeding, stored in the gallbladder, and released into the duodenum upon stimulation by cholecystokinin. Abnormalities in bile acid metabolism can indicate liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction, or other hepatobiliary disorders in canines.
These tests typically involve obtaining fasting and postprandial blood samples to evaluate basal and stimulated bile acid levels, respectively. Fasting bile acids reflect the hepatic synthesis and clearance capacity, while postprandial levels assess the functional reserve of the liver and the efficiency of bile flow following a meal. Elevated fasting or postprandial bile acid concentrations indicate impaired hepatocellular function, reduced bile flow, or hepatobiliary disease, whereas normal levels suggest normal liver function and bile acid metabolism.
Interpretation of bile acids test results in conjunction with clinical signs, imaging studies, and additional diagnostic tests aids in diagnosing various liver diseases and hepatobiliary disorders in dogs. Common indications for bile acids testing include evaluating suspected liver dysfunction, monitoring therapy effectiveness in liver diseases, and screening for subclinical hepatobiliary abnormalities in certain breeds predisposed to liver disorders.