Final answer:
For a dog newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, a CT scan with contrast, various pancreas function tests, and blood tests measuring pancreatic enzymes are effective for diagnosing pancreatitis. The fecal elastase test and fecal fat excretion tests also provide valuable information on pancreatic health.
Step-by-step explanation:
When testing for pancreatitis in a dog that has been newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, several diagnostic tools can be utilized. Computed tomography (CT) scans with contrast dye are particularly valuable for assessing the health of the pancreas and can identify complications such as fluid accumulation, abscesses, or pancreatic pseudocysts. Another method is to conduct various pancreas function tests to detect early chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, as these conditions may lead to a decrease in pancreatic function.
Blood tests are essential for evaluating the function of the pancreas in dogs. The measurement of pancreatic enzymes such as amylase and lipase in the blood can provide insight into the pancreas's health. Additionally, the fecal elastase test, which examines the levels of elastase enzyme in a patient's stool, serves as a non-invasive indicator of pancreatic function.
More specific tests like the Pancreolauryl Test (PLT) and the Secretin-pancreozymin test offer detailed analyses of pancreatic exocrine function. These tests, alongside the investigation of related disorders and the evaluation of stool samples, for example, with fecal fat excretion tests, can all contribute valuable information for diagnosing and managing pancreatitis in dogs with diabetes mellitus.