b'PROIFCILEA TFigure 2. Distribution of faecal calprotectin scores in diagnosed feline inflammatory enteropathies vs controlsIn dogs, use of a 3 mg/ discrimination between affected and control animals (dogs, Figure 1; cats, kg threshold resulted in 94%Figure 2). In dogs, use of a 3 mg/kg sensitivity and 96% specificity,threshold resulted in 94% sensitivity and 96% specificity and in cats, use of and in cats, use of a 2.5 mg/ a 2.5 mg/kg threshold resulted in 92% kg threshold resulted in 92%sensitivity and 100% specificity.sensitivity and 100% specificity. These findings are further supported by earlier research showing that faecal calprotectin concentrations in cats were food responsive enteropathy and oralsignificantly higher before treatment NSAID use, as well as that associatedthan after treatment initiation, with with CIE.levels correlating with feline chronic Faecal calprotectin in canine and enteropathy activity index (FCEAI) feline CIE scores. 10With a direct link between intestinalPractical application in first-opinion inflammation and faecal calprotectinpracticelevels, it is not surprising that higherFaecal calprotectin testing is particularly concentrations have been associatedvaluable in busy first-opinion settings, with greater disease severity in chronicwhere pragmatic, rapid decision-enteropathies. The canine chronicmaking is essential. Point-of-care tests enteropathy clinical activity indexsuch as GIQuest are cost-effective, (CCECAI) is a semi-objective scoringrequire only a small faecal sample, and system used to assess clinical diseaseprovide immediate, semi-quantitative activity and treatment response. 7In onedata to guide next steps. For clinicians, study, higher CCECAI scores correlatedthis means the test can be easily with higher faecal calprotectinincorporated into everyday workflows, concentrations and a concentrationhelping to differentiate inflammatory 48.9g/g was associated with severefrom non-inflammatory GI disease during clinical signs (CCECAI scores 12)the initial consultation.with moderate sensitivity and highBecause the test is non-invasive and specificity. 8 already widely used in human medicine, Building on this, a study conductedit is familiar and understandable to many at the University of Bristol Vet Schoolclients. This can make conversations evaluated the diagnostic performanceabout intestinal disease easier and more of the GIQuest lateral flow test in dogsrelatable - especially when owners are and cats with chronic inflammatoryreluctant to pursue further diagnostics enteropathy (CIE) compared to healthyor are concerned about the risks or costs controls. 9The test demonstratedassociated with endoscopic or surgical excellent accuracy, with clearbiopsy.22www.inspiredvet.co.uk'