Guidance on using faecal calprotectin testing to support informed decision-making in canine gastrointestinal inflammation
Gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation in dogs and cats can present a complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Faecal calprotectin testing offers clinicians a practical, non-invasive tool to support informed decision-making at multiple stages - from initial work-up and case triage, through to treatment monitoring and owner communication.
| CLINICAL SCENARIO | HOW FAECAL CALPROTECTIN TESTING HELPS |
|---|---|
| Chronic GI signs, including vomiting and diarrhoea, in dogs and cats |
Screens for GI inflammation Helps inform next steps |
| Owner declines invasive diagnostics | Provides objective data to guide empirical therapy |
| Monitoring response to treatment or diet trials in GI cases, including IBD and Food Responsive Enteropathies (FRE) | A biomarker to track response and support compliance |
| Long-term oral NSAID use |
Supports detecting subclinical inflammation Supports the need for gastroprotectants or decisions to alter or stop NSAID use |
| Building client understanding and compliance | Provides additional data to help explain inflammation and encourage adherence to treatment plans or diet trials |
| Financial barriers | GiQuest offers rapid, cost-effective insights that may reduce reliance on more invasive procedures |
Faecal calprotectin testing is particularly valuable in busy first-opinion settings, where pragmatic, rapid decision-making is often required. GIQuest is cost-effective and can be run at the point of care, providing immediate, quantitative data to guide next steps.
The non-invasive nature of the test, combined with its established use in human medicine, makes it a relatable and acceptable option for many clients. Results can therefore act as a bridge between clinical findings and owner understanding, supporting shared decision-making throughout the diagnostic and treatment journey.
For many owners, an objective result helps them understand the need for treatment or further diagnostics and is easier to understand than subjective impressions of ‘mild’ or ‘severe’ signs.
| CLINICAL SCENARIO | HOW FAECAL CALPROTECTIN TESTING HELPS |
|---|---|
| Owner reluctant to pursue diagnostics | Provides immediate, objective evidence of gut inflammation; helps overcome hesitation and get owners on board with diagnostic process |
| Limited finances or owner concerned about invasive testing | Affordable point-of-care option; may reduce reliance on costly or invasive procedures |
| Communication challenges | Converts subjective concerns into measurable data, making it easier for clients to understand the significance of GI inflammation |
| Cases where owners want reassurance | Offers an objective marker that helps owners feel confident in the diagnostic or treatment plan |
Interpretation
GIQuest is a simple-to use lateral flow test that gives a semi-quantitative result.
Click here to see the full test procedure
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